KINGDOM of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy has been prohibited from receiving donations or cash gifts from his members in the United States following the freezing of his assets by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Quiboloy, 72, is the spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and perceived “beneficial owner” of broadcast firm Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The network is currently at risk of franchise revocation due to alleged various violations, including the dissemination of fake news and involvement in red-tagging activities.

This financial clampdown comes in the wake of Quiboloy’s indictment in the U.S. on charges of criminal conspiracy related to sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, money laundering, marriage and visa fraud, and other federal fraud violations.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s move underscored the severity of the allegations against Quiboloy, whose religious empire spans across international borders.

The charges paint a grim picture of the spiritual leader’s involvement in a range of criminal activities, prompting federal authorities to take decisive action to prevent any financial support flowing to him from within the U.S.

With Quiboloy’s assets frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department, members of his religious group are now barred from depositing any donation or cash gift for his benefit.

The restrictions encompass making contributions or providing funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of any designated person.

Similarly, the receipt of contributions or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person is expressly prohibited.

Quiboloy’s lawyers deemed the sanctions as outrageous, expressing particular concern about the alleged crimes attributed to the Filipino pastor.

They argued that the imposition of these sanctions infringes upon the presumption of innocence for the accused.

The lawyers said Quiboloy remains innocent until proven otherwise, questioning the basis for imposing sanctions while legal proceedings are ongoing.

The indictment alleges that Quiboloy played a central role in a complex web of criminal operations, including trafficking offenses, financial misconduct, and fraudulent activities.

The charges also encompass marriage and visa fraud, indicating a wide-ranging set of illegal activities associated with the spiritual leader.

Members of the KOJC community in the U.S. now find themselves unable to contribute financially to Quiboloy due to the Treasury Department’s intervention.

The move not only impacts the leader’s financial resources but also raises questions about the broader implications for the KOJC organization.

Legal experts anticipate a protracted legal battle as Quiboloy faces the charges brought against him.

The multifaceted nature of the indictment suggests a thorough investigation by federal authorities, involving collaboration between law enforcement agencies to build a case against Quiboloy.

Earlier this year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a “most wanted” poster for Quiboloy.

According to the FBI’s official website, Quiboloy is wanted in the U.S. for his alleged involvement in a labor trafficking scheme. Under this operation, church members were allegedly brought to the U.S. with fraudulently obtained visas, compelling them to solicit donations for a fictitious charity, which, in reality, funded church operations and the extravagant lifestyles of its leaders.

The FBI disclosed that Quiboloy has been indicted by a federal jury in the U.S. District Court in Santa Ana, California. The charges include conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.

On November 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for Quiboloy’s arrest, as confirmed by the FBI.

As federal authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the alleged criminal network associated with Quiboloy, the impact on his religious empire and the wider community remains uncertain.

The Treasury Department’s prohibition on donations from KOJC members in the U.S. added a layer of financial challenge to an already complex legal situation for the embattled spiritual leader.

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