CultNEWS101 Articles: 12/10/2025
Patrick Ryan
Cybernews: Scientology, Hollywood's cult-like religion, hacked by Qilin ransomware gang - will secrets be leaked?
- The Church of Scientology is allegedly hit by the world's most active ransomware gang with 22 sample files from UK headquarters, some dated last week.
- Stolen documents reveal internal operations including security budgets, member records, billing invoices, and organizational hierarchies that could expose controversial practices.
- Qilin’s high-value extortion play could trigger massive ransom demands from Scientology leadership scrambling to suppress leaked documents.
"More than 50 charges of coercive control have been laid in the six months since it was criminalised in Queensland, but advocates and legal experts believe more training is needed to better identify abusive behaviour.
The standalone legislation — named Hannah's Law in memory of Brisbane mother Hannah Clarke, who was murdered alongside her three children by her estranged husband in 2020 — came into effect in May.
The offence carries up to 14 years in prison for those that cause physical, emotional, financial, psychological or mental harm to their domestic partner."
"The bribery trial of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja began on Monday [12/1/2025] in South Korea. Han, 82, is accused of offering luxury gifts, including Chanel handbags, a diamond necklace, and wild ginseng, to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for political and business favors. The case is part of a broader probe into ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife following Yoon’s martial law order in December 2024, which triggered widespread political fallout. Han attended the hearing in a wheelchair and wearing a mask, denying wrongdoing and attributing alleged misconduct to a senior church official.
The trial underscores ongoing concerns about the influence of religious organizations in South Korean politics. Prosecutors allege that Han misused donations from church members, turning contributions into a tool for buying political power. The case also highlights broader scrutiny of the Unification Church, known internationally as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, amid repeated allegations of financial improprieties and political meddling both domestically and abroad.
The key figures in the case include Han Hak-ja, the church leadership, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, and former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Church members and supporters are closely watching the proceedings, while the general public is concerned about corruption and undue influence in politics. Internationally, the Unification Church has faced legal challenges in Japan and other countries, amplifying scrutiny of its finances and practices. Legal authorities and prosecutors aim to determine whether the church systematically leveraged donations for political gain."
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