A man who preaches that the world will end Oct. 28 has been arrested on allegations he swindled followers of $4 million and investing some of the money in bonds coming due next year.
Lee Jan-rim, 46, held $380,000 worth of bonds, some maturing in May, prosecutors said.Lee, who was detained Thursday, heads the Dami Mission, which claims 10,000 followers who believe Christ will appear next month.
Many followers of the Dami Mission and other groups have quit their jobs or schools and sleep and pray together at facilities rented only until October.
Lee's followers say their leader is a victim of religious persecution.
"It is totally a false charge that Pastor Lee swindled our money," said 50-year-old Dami evangelist Huang Kyung-sun. "We all donate our money purely of our own will."