Taiwanese Family Loses US$420,000 After Terminally Ill Mother Exploited by Spiritual Growth Cult

A disturbing incident has been reported from Taiwan, where a terminally ill mother was allegedly manipulated into joining a spiritual growth cult, causing her family to lose NT$13 million (US$420,000), according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The victim, identified by her surname Wang, received a terminal cancer diagnosis before enrolling in a "spiritual growth course" conducted by two women named Zhang and Chen in August 2013. Her son subsequently joined the group in April 2021.

According to reports, while the cult leaders promised spiritual development, participants were actually subjected to degrading practices, including being forced to lick other members' toes.

Wang was compelled to kneel alongside roads and was coerced into a same-sex marriage. The report indicates that another woman was physically abused until she agreed to divorce her husband and marry Wang. Similarly, Wang's son was forced into a same-sex marriage arrangement.

The cult leaders employed intimidation tactics against their followers. Chen reportedly told Wang, "You are going to die, even the gods cannot save you. Ultimately, your family will be torn apart, death is inevitable and you will die with resentment, unable to close your eyes, unable to be reincarnated."

Members revealed they were pressured to pay NT$2 million (US$65,000) to attain the status of "Energy Purification Masters" within the group.

The leaders imposed monetary penalties for disobedience, along with physical punishments such as forcing followers to bang their heads against walls.

Wang paid NT$6.8 million (US$222,000) while her son contributed NT$6.5 million (US$212,000) to the cult. The family even sold their home to meet these financial demands.

In April of last year, Wang and her son sought legal assistance after realizing they had been defrauded. According to reports, Zhang and Chen were ordered to pay NT$13.3 million (US$434,000) in damages, though it remains unclear whether they have faced any criminal charges.