FBI enlists NZ police to investigate sexual abuse in secretive sect
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The FBI is sharing information about alleged sexual abuse within an underground religious group with New Zealand police as part of its global investigation.
Just over a year ago, the US agency took the unusual step of publicly asking victims to come forward, as it probed the religious group which has no official name but is commonly known as the Two by Twos.
“If you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe your child or other children may have been victimized by individuals affiliated with 2×2, the FBI requests you complete a short online questionnaire,” the FBI said.
Until then, little had been publicised about the group in New Zealand.
The Christian sect has no official name or buildings, is not registered as a charity, and its members meet in homes.
A hallmark of the sect is that its ministers are volunteers who travel in pairs and stay in members’ homes, relying on gifts or donations to meet their expenses.
This week, people who responded to the FBI’s request for information received an email from the New Zealand police.
“I am sending this email as you have taken part in the FBI’s enquiry into the religious group that is known by various names, including 2×2, The Way, The Truth and The Church with No Name,” the police said.
“The submissions made via the Tip line have been shared with Police Forces worldwide to assess potential follow-up actions regarding the reported offences.”
Content retrieved from: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541267/fbi-enlists-nz-police-to-investigate-sexual-abuse-in-secretive-sect.
