The search took place in a residence in Tampa, owned by Michelle Brannon, 56, and his partner David Taylor, 53, both accused of subjecting their followers to extreme working hours without remuneration
An investigation by the Federal Research Bureau (FBI) in Florida, United States, discovered a scheme of Forced labor that affected 57 people, who lived in small spaces within a luxurious mansion linked to the leaders of the global church of the Kingdom of Godaccording to federal authorities.
The FBI uncovered forced labor network in a Florida church: luxury, sex and exploitation
The search took place in August in a residence of Tampaowned by Michelle Brannon, 56, and his partner David Taylor, 53both accused of subjecting their followers to extreme working hours without remuneration, in addition to participating in money laundering. Taylorwho calls himself “apostle”, and Brannon, their “executive director”, created call centers in several states (Michigan, Texas, Florida and Missouri) where followers worked collecting donations and fulfilling personal tasks for Taylor.
The researchers indicated that the employees were forced to act as “weapons carriers” and personal servants, under strict surveillance and unable to leave without permission. They slept in workplaces or in a “ministerial house”, while Brannon lived surrounded by luxuries in the mansion of Tampawhich included high -end vehicles, statues of great value and $ 500,000 in gold bullion.
Mansion
The scheme generated $ 50 million in donations in the last decade. The victims were subjected to public humiliations, psychological abuse, sleep deprivation and physical aggressions if they did not meet the goals imposed. In addition, sexual demands were documented, with thousands of explicit photos and videos collected by Taylorand restrictions on the reproductive freedom of women.
Taylor was arrested in North Carolina and Brannon in Florida. Both face charges for forced labor, conspiracy for forced labor and money laundering, and will be tried in Michigan. The authorities underline that the magnitude of the operation reveals absolute control over the life of its followers, with high -range legal and personal consequences.
Source: Ambito
