Authorities in Belgium raid Church of Scientology
According to reports, authorities in Belgium have seized documents, financial records and computer equipment form the local branch of the Church of Scientology and then sealed off the building.
According to reports, the Church in Belgium is being investigated for extortion and fraud after posting false job openings in newspapers then attempting to get those who applied to join the Church. Several ex-members of the Church also came to authorities after accusations of intimidation and extortion.
Police were investigating the Church there for nearly 10 years prior to the raid.
In a statement to the press, the Church says that the police “violated their fundamental rights” as a religious organization and accused the police of “malicious justice operations.” the Church plans to “contest” any charges filed against it. They also state that the postings made were requests for volunteers and not employees.
So far no arrests have been made, but some employees of the Church were detained and questioned by police.
The building remains closed.
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