The joint investigation unit, led by Prosecutor General Kim Tae-hoon, has announced its decision to reopen the inquiry into allegations of tax evasion by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. This development follows the Supreme Court's recent ruling affirming tax assessments against Shincheonji, prompting the unit to revisit an earlier case dismissed in October 2021 from the Suwon District Prosecutor's Office. Investigators had previously secured recordings indicating potential influence exerted by Shincheonji's leader, Lee Man-hee, to mitigate tax evasion inquiries, particularly through connections with political figures.

The reopened investigation delves into recorded conversations suggesting that Lee Man-hee sought assistance from a former congressman to persuade the Suwon District Attorney General to drop the charges related to Shincheonji's tax evasion. As the church faces ongoing legal scrutiny for allegations including obstructing COVID-19 prevention measures, the renewed inquiries into its tax practices highlight the broader implications of religious and political connections in prosecutorial decisions. The context of these developments is further complicated by the church's recent legal battles, including previous criminal inquiries that led to dismissals due to lack of evidence against them.

In response to the allegations, Shincheonji has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they have already undergone thorough investigations and that the allegations of fraudulent tax evasion were dismissed due to the lack of evidence. They also cited having paid substantial taxes on their declared revenue, stating that, despite losing several legal battles over their tax assessments, they successfully recovered a portion of their taxes, further claiming that their operations adhered to legal standards. This situation continues to evolve with significant implications for both the church and the broader discussion of the intersectionality of religion and law enforcement.