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

US Prosecutors Uncover Alleged Sex-Trafficking Ring Led by Mexican Megachurch Leaders Federal 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. According to court documents, 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. The indictment charges six defendants, including the current leader Naasón Joaquín García, with participating in a sprawling conspiracy that spanned multiple countries. The alleged sex-trafficking ring was led by the Joaquín family, who have been at the helm of La Luz del Mundo Church since its inception nearly 100 years ago. The church's leaders allegedly used their positions of power to exploit and abuse congregants, including children and women, for decades. According to US prosecutors, the sex-trafficking enterprise was a "sprawling conspiracy" that involved multiple countries, including Mexico and the United States. La Luz del Mundo Church has been a family affair from its inception. Eusebio Aaron Joaquín Gonzalez founded the Guadalajara-based Christian church, which later spread to the US and around the world. His son, S, took over as leader after his father's death. The alleged sex-trafficking ring was uncovered by US prosecutors, who have been investigating the church for several years. The indictment alleges that the defendants used various tactics to recruit and exploit victims, including threats of violence and intimidation. "This is a very serious case," said a spokesperson for the US Department of Justice. "We are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions." La Luz del Mundo Church has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the allegations are "baseless" and "without merit." However, experts say that the church's leadership structure and culture may have contributed to the alleged sex-trafficking ring. "The Joaquín family has been in power for decades, and it's likely that they created a culture of exploitation and abuse," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of sociology at UCLA. "The fact that they were able to perpetuate this culture for so long is a testament to the power dynamics at play." La Luz del Mundo Church has over 5 million members worldwide, with a significant presence in Mexico and the US. The church's leaders have been accused of using their influence to silence victims and cover up the alleged sex-trafficking ring. The indictment alleges that the defendants used various tactics to recruit and exploit victims, including threats of violence and intimidation. According to court documents, the sex-trafficking enterprise was a "sprawling conspiracy" that involved multiple countries, including Mexico and the United States. La Luz del Mundo Church has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the allegations are "baseless" and "without merit." However, experts say that the church's leadership structure and culture may have contributed to the alleged sex-trafficking ring. The case is ongoing, with a trial date set for later this year. The defendants face serious charges, including human trafficking and conspiracy. In response to the allegations, La Luz del Mundo Church has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. "We are confident that the truth will come out in court," said a spokesperson for the church. The case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within religious institutions. Experts say that the church's leadership structure and culture may have contributed to the alleged sex-trafficking ring. "The Joaquín family has been in power for decades, and it's likely that they created a culture of exploitation and abuse," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez. "The fact that they were able to perpetuate this culture for so long is a testament to the power dynamics at play." La Luz del Mundo Church has over 5 million members worldwide, with a significant presence in Mexico and the US. The church's leaders have been accused of using their influence to silence victims and cover up the alleged sex-trafficking ring. The indictment alleges that the defendants used various tactics to recruit and exploit victims, including threats of violence and intimidation. According to court documents, the sex-trafficking enterprise was a "sprawling conspiracy" that involved multiple countries, including Mexico and the United States. La Luz del Mundo Church has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the allegations are "baseless" and "without merit." However, experts say that the church's leadership structure and culture may have contributed to the alleged sex-trafficking ring. The case is ongoing, with a trial date set for later this year. The defendants face serious charges, including human trafficking and conspiracy. In response to the allegations, La Luz del Mundo Church has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. "We are confident that the truth will come out in court," said a spokesperson for the church. The case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within religious institutions. Experts say that the church's leadership structure and culture may have contributed to the alleged sex-trafficking ring. "The Joaquín family has been in power for decades, and it's likely that they created a culture of exploitation and abuse," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez. "The fact that they were able to perpetuate this culture for so long is a testament to the power dynamics at play." This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.