"Mexican Megachurch Leaders Exposed in Massive Sex-Trafficking Scheme"

US Prosecutors Uncover Alleged Sex-Trafficking Ring Led by Mexican Megachurch Leaders In a shocking indictment, US prosecutors have accused the leaders of La Luz del Mundo Church, a Mexican megachurch with over 5 million members worldwide, of operating a large-scale sex trafficking enterprise for decades. The church's patriarchs allegedly facilitated the sexual abuse of children and women, passing down their leadership roles while also perpetuating a culture of exploitation. According to the indictment, six defendants, including the current leader Naasón Joaquín García, participated in a sprawling conspiracy that spanned multiple countries. The alleged sex-trafficking ring was led by the church's leaders, who used their positions of power to exploit and abuse women and children. The indictment charges the defendants with participating in a racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and other crimes. La Luz del Mundo Church has been a family affair since its inception nearly 100 years ago, with Eusebio Aaron Joaquín Gonzalez founding the Guadalajara-based Christian church. His son succeeded him as leader, followed by his grandson, Naasón Joaquín García, who is currently facing charges. The church's leadership structure and alleged sex-trafficking enterprise have been shrouded in secrecy, with few details available to the public. The indictment alleges that the church's leaders used their influence to silence victims and cover up the abuse. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, congregants were often encouraged to donate large sums of money to the church, which was then allegedly used to fund the sex-trafficking operation. The church's leaders also allegedly used their positions to exploit women and children, both within the church and outside its walls. Experts say that the indictment highlights a disturbing trend in which religious institutions are being used as fronts for human trafficking and exploitation. "This case is a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of some religious organizations," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on human trafficking. "The fact that these leaders were able to use their positions of power to exploit and abuse women and children is appalling." La Luz del Mundo Church has denied all allegations, stating that they are "deeply disturbed" by the indictment. However, the church's leadership has been criticized for its handling of previous allegations of abuse within the church. The case against La Luz del Mundo Church's leaders is ongoing, with a trial date set for later this year. The indictment marks a significant development in the investigation into the church's alleged sex-trafficking enterprise and raises questions about how such an operation was able to go undetected for so long. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether La Luz del Mundo Church will face further consequences for its alleged role in facilitating human trafficking. One thing is certain: the indictment has sent shockwaves through the church's community and beyond, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability within religious institutions. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.