Scientology might officially be defined as "organized crime" in France.

[Peter Lemkin]

From another list I am on. A turf war between the religious criminal gangs. Looks like the state will sanction the Whore of Rome and a few reform protestants and co. Now, if Scientology had just been a 'normal' corporation to start with this would just be business as usual.

"Last time I looked, fraud (extracting money on false pretences) is a
crime.
A "religion" based on extracting money on false pretences is a
criminal gang."

Yesterday, the Attorney General (="procureur de la r?publique", thanks for the translation) upgraded charges against scientology to include :
- membership and incentive to join in organized crime as defined in French law as an organized criminal group devoted to committing widespread and systematic criminal offenses (namely: widespread and systematic fraud, misappropriation of funds, witness intimidation, attempted corruption of officials, extortion and obstruction of justice).

Next week, Scientology might officially be defined as "organized crime"
in France.

I agree that Scientology might well fit the organized (or SOP Corporate) crime profile, but others who call themselves organized religions might, as well :deal: