AUTHORITIES FIND FRAUD IN SCIENTOLOGY
Brussels
The judicial authorities in Brussels have found clear indications of fraud
in the financial records of the Church of Scientology and its affiliated
organisation. The controversial religious movement has also repeatedly
violated the law on privacy. Scientology unlawfully keeps medical and
personal information on its members on file. This information was confirmed
to De Morgen by "substitut" [closest US equivalent probably: assistant
district attorney] Christophe Caliman of the financial section, who is
coordinating the ongoing judicial investigation. However, nobody has yet
been charged at this point.
The investigation was launched after a complaint in 1997 from an ex-member
of Scientology, who had tried in vain to get a refund of 700,000 Belgian
francs [approx. US$ 17,000], which she had paid for various courses. Last
september searches were made at a total of 25 locations, by request of
investigating judge Van Espen. At that time tons of documents and tens of
computers were seized, belonging both to the VZW [non-profit association]
Scientology and a number of satellite companies. Analysis of the huge
amount of data is taking longer than expected due to a shortage of staff,
and the investigation won't be concluded for another year.
Despite this there are already "very sound indications" that Scientology
committed tax fraud, amongst other means by writing phoney invoices.
Scientology companies sent each other invoices for services that were "more
than likely" never delivered. This financial merry-go-round remarkably
didn't benefit the Belgian branch of Scientology. The bulk of the money was
transfered to the American headquarters of the cult. The authorities at
first wanted to send an investigating commission to the United States, but
decided against it because of a lack of means.
Progress has also been made in the investigation into privacy violations.
The controversial movement kept files about its members that hadn't been
registered with the Commission for the Protection of Privacy, which is
legally required. On top of that, there are indications of the unlawful
practice of medicine.
Because investigations are still ongoing, Caliman cannot formally state
that Scientology is a cult. "But if one looks at the criteria laid down by
the parliamentary inquiry to determine what constitutes a cult, Scientology
scores 8 out of 10."
Scientology spokesman Marc Bromberg still denies all accusations:
"Scientology didn't do anything illegal". He sees the judicial interest in
Scientology as a reaction to the worldwide successes achieved by the
movement. This week Sweden became the first European country to recognise
Scientology as an official religion.
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