Shincheonji's tax breaks continue amid abuse allegations

Key points

• The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission is investigating the charity status of the South Korean Christian fringe group Shincheonji, which remains registered in Australia. The group's Melbourne chapter has faced allegations of brainwashing, financial abuse, and isolating members.
• Shincheonji's leader, Lee Man-hee, is detained in South Korea for allegedly violating the Political Parties Act.
• The group claims to have churches in over 100 countries and a congregation of more than 300,000 members.