Church of Scientology may face RICO charges
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(NewsNation) — Plaintiffs in a civil harassment case against the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, along with actor Danny Masterson, are urging the court to label the organization a “criminal enterprise” due to its alleged “pattern of racketeering activity.”
The accusers, who have proposed a second amended complaint, seek to include Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) charges, citing three additional rape claims against Masterson, Deadline reported.
The proposed complaint, filed Dec. 27 and heading towards a trial date of Sep. 22, 2025, alleges that Scientology engages in criminal activities such as fraud, human trafficking, identity theft and money laundering to benefit its leadership, with Miscavige identified as the undisputed leader of this criminal enterprise.
Scientology denies these allegations, calling them “complete fabrications” and an “attempted money grab.” The civil suit, initiated almost five years ago, includes accusations of harassment, surveillance and harm to pets suffered by ex-members who reported rape claims against Masterson.
The amended complaint places a stronger emphasis on sexual assaults and covers previously undisclosed rapes allegedly committed by Masterson. The plaintiffs assert that the church actively concealed Masterson’s actions, preventing victims from reporting abuse and launching aggressive harassment campaigns against them.
Simultaneously, another legal spotlight on Scientology involves a harassment suit by former member Leah Remini. A recent deposition from a Scientology volunteer religious worker, Yi-Chen Wan, sheds light on a 2019 knife attack in Sydney, Australia, long blamed on Remini by the church.
Content retrieved from: https://www.newsnationnow.com/religion/church-of-scientology-may-face-rico-charges/.
