International
Singapore Religious Leader Jailed for Fraud and Abuse
Eko Hot Blog reports that a Singaporean religious leader has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday for defrauding millions of dollars from her followers.
The religious leader identified as Woo May Hoe, was also accused of using violent punishments to discipline those who disobeyed her.
According to the court documents, Woo who was found guilty in a rare case of cult-like crime in the wealthy financial hub, convinced around 30 followers that she was a deity and swindled them out of more than $10 million over several years.
Woo told her followers that their payments would help eliminate their “bad karma.”
The funds were supposedly sent to a spiritual figure in India called Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma or used to finance the construction of new temples, the court documents revealed.
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Those who disobeyed Woo were subjected to brutal punishments, including caning, being forced to eat feces, or having their teeth pulled out with pliers.
Health officials determined that Woo had paranoid schizophrenia during the time of her offenses but that she was aware her actions were illegal, according to Channel NewsAsia.
“The accused’s actions have completely shattered the lives of her followers, leaving them in dire financial circumstances and causing permanent physical disability to some,” prosecutors stated in their sentencing submissions.
In 2020, Singapore police arrested 21 members of the local chapter of South Korea’s Shincheonji Church of Jesus for being part of an unlawful society. Under Singapore law, anyone convicted of being a member of an unlawful society can face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to $3,700.
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