A recently filed civil suit is making heavy claims against the Church of Scientology, alleging it to be a “criminal enterprise” worthy of having RICO charges leveled against it. RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations and has been used to take down the Mafia. The suit, which has been filed against the Church of Scientology, the organization’s leader David Miscavige, and actor Danny Masterson, alleges, “Many of Scientology’s criminal enterprise’s money-making schemes are criminal in nature. It routinely and systematically engages in fraud, human trafficking, identity theft and money laundering to fill its coffers and enrich its leadership.”

Masterson, a member of the church, was recently convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life. The complaint revealed three other previously undisclosed rape claims. Plaintiffs of the case claim that the church helped to hide the rapes and actively harassed alleged victims from reporting the abuses. This proposed second amended complaint was filed December 27. It accuses the church of being involved in human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. A trial date is set for September 22, 2025. The church is also facing claims of harassment by former member, actress Leah Remini. Remini has openly criticized the church since she left in 2013, calling it “evil.” She filed a missing person’s report for Miscavige’s wife, Shelly, who has not been seen publicly since 2007. The LAPD closed the case after speaking to a woman who claimed to be Miscavige, but a later report claimed that authorities did not confirm the woman’s identity. Remini claims the church has harassed her since speaking out and that several of her credit cards have been hacked since filing her suit. Others former members have accused the church of misconduct and illegal dealings, with a slew of documentaries and books on the subject. Many former members discuss the practice of “disconnection,” where family members are told to disassociate completely with anyone who leaves the church and criticizes it. These people are labeled “suppressive” persons.

The Church of Scientology has denied all claims in the civil suit. “These statements are twisted, obscene and 100% the opposite of the truth. To repeat the scandalous claims and headlines is malicious. The real story is that the Church is a worldwide force for good as can be seen at Scientology.tv and Scientology.org. … Prejudicial and bigoted headlines foster animus and hate which have proven to be dangerous and put lives at risk,” it said in a statement to Fox News.