CultNEWS101 Articles: 5/12/2026

[Patrick Ryan]

Scientology, Legal, Media

CBC: Hundreds of youths descend on Vancouver's Scientology building as part of speedrunning trend

"Social media’s latest viral trend made its way to Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, when police say hundreds of people — mostly youths — tried to force their way into the city's Church of Scientology building.

The Vancouver Police Department said that at about 3 p.m. local time, officers received reports that between 250 and 300 people were congregating and attempting to "gain entry" into Scientology's premises along West Hastings Street at the corner of Homer Street.

Police say a group tried to kick in the back gate and allege others were throwing things at officers. No injuries to officers or the public were reported."

Showbiz411: Scientology Under Siege: Spontaneous Worldwide Movement Shuts Down Centers as Kids Stage Speed Run Assaults on Cult!

"...Young people curious about the cult of Scientology started launching ambushes on their various headquarters. After decades of journalism trying to expose this dangerous group, some kids finally said, What the heck is going on in there?

Now Scientology is under siege. Kids dressed up in all kinds of costumes have been running into the Centers, causing mayhem. It’s in New York, Los Angeles, and all over the world. It’s so bad that the Centers have shut their down, removed door handles, put up chain locks, and hired extra security.

This is not officially condoned. Even Leah Remini, former member and critic posted a note to stop it. But the speed running has taken on a life of its own. Her video is first, followed by some reports below. See way at the bottom, where Little People have been on a raid!"

The last week of April and the beginning of May 2026 have seen several significant legal and media developments regarding high-demand groups and controversial movements.

Major Police Raid in Crewe, UK

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, approximately **500 police officers** conducted a massive raid on the headquarters of the **Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light** in Crewe, Cheshire.

The Charges: Authorities are investigating allegations of serious sexual offenses, modern-day slavery, and forced marriage.

Arrests: Nine individuals—including citizens from the US, Mexico, and Egypt—were taken into custody. This follows a March 2026 complaint from a former member who alleged she was raped and 

abused at the group’s headquarters (a former orphanage) in 2023.

Context: The group is distinct from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and has previously been under scrutiny regarding skilled worker visa usage.

New Docuseries: "The Cult of NatureBoy

ABC News Studios released a new docuseries on April 29, 2026, focusing on **Eligio Bishop** (known as "NatureBoy") and his group, **CarbonNation**.

The Story: The series explores how Bishop used social media to recruit followers into what he termed a "utopia" in metro Atlanta.

Legal Status: Though the series is new, it highlights the 2024 sentencing of Bishop to life without parole for crimes including rape and false imprisonment. It features new testimony from victims who joined the group while struggling with depression and family issues.

Ongoing Focus on the FLDS and Samuel Bateman

Netflix recently released "Trust Me: The False Prophet," which has brought renewed attention to the **Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)** splinter group led by **Samuel Bateman**.

Latest Updates: As of mid-April and continuing through last week, news outlets have focused on how Bateman continues to exert control over his followers and multiple wives from behind bars.

Naomi "Nomz" Bistline: A former wife of Bateman has been active in the media over the last few weeks, warning that the "nightmare" of coercive control can happen to anyone and detailing Bateman’s rise following the power vacuum left by Warren Jeffs.

"Greggy’s Cult" Legal Proceedings

Updates continue regarding the federal case against five leaders of an online group known as **"Greggy's Cult."**

The Case: The FBI and U.S. Attorneys have characterized the group as a "nightmare platform" used to exploit and harass minors.

Recent Activity: While the initial charges were filed late last year, the case has remained in the headlines this past week as federal prosecutors detailed the "fansigning" and self-harm rituals the group allegedly used to demonstrate loyalty.

News, Education, Intervention, Recovery

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