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Cult Leader Who Branded "Slaves" With His Initials Arrested In Mexico

Police found the leader of New York cult hiding out in an expensive villa with multiple women near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Keith Raniere, who was referred as a "Vanguard" in the Nxivm cult, was taken into custody after Mexican officials help U.S. authorities track him down. He was charged with multiple counts of sex-trafficking and forced labor. Police accused him of forcing women he referred to as "slaves" into sex acts and even burning his initials into the women as part of a branding ceremony. 

Raniere allegedly started group within Nxivm called “Dominus Obsequious Sororium,” which translates to “Master Over the Slave Woman.” He brainwashed the women into doing menial chores and having sex with the "masters." The most disturbing part of the secret group within the cult was the branding ceremonies, in which the women were stripped naked and had Raniere's initials burned into their pelvic area. 

During the branding ceremonies, slaves were required to be fully naked, and the master would order one slave to film while the other held down the slave being branded," the complaint said.

A warrant for his arrest was issued one month ago, but he had fled to Mexico in November after U.S. authorities started interviewing people in connection with Nxivm. 

Raniere faces 15 years in prison for the sex-trafficking charges, but FBI officials said that he could face more charges as the investigation continues. 

Photo: Getty Images


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