'Founder of US Cult Group Sentenced to 120 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Women Including Minors'

▲Keith Raniere, founder of Nexium

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Keith Raniere, the founder of the cult group 'Nexium' that enslaved women, including minors, as sex slaves in the United States, has been sentenced to 120 years in prison.

In particular, Raniere's criminal activities were revealed to involve famous celebrities and heirs of chaebols, causing a social uproar.

On the 27th (local time), according to AP News and others, Nicholas Garaufis, a judge at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, ruled, "No words can properly express the lasting pain inflicted on the victims."

Judge Garaufis also imposed a fine of $1.75 million (approximately 1.97 billion KRW) on Raniere.

Previously, the prosecution had sought a life sentence for Raniere.

Nexium, founded by Raniere in 1998, rapidly expanded its influence by recruiting many celebrities and prominent social figures.

Based in Albany, New York, Nexium outwardly presented itself as a multi-level marketing business consulting company operating self-development programs. However, in reality, the recruited women were forcibly mobilized as sex partners of Raniere, who claimed to be their spiritual guide.

The New York prosecution revealed that Raniere branded women’s bodies with his initials and forced sexual relations. He is also charged with possession of child pornography.

The New York prosecution added that Raniere created a women-only club called 'DOS' within Nexium and collected nude photos as a means to prevent their collective withdrawal.

Fifteen former members appeared in court to testify about Raniere’s crimes.

A woman named Camilla testified that she had sexual relations with Raniere for 12 years starting at age 15, saying, "He messed me up for so long that finding the strength to tell my story was a painful process."

However, just before sentencing, Raniere said, "I am truly sorry for the pain I caused them," but also claimed, "I strongly believe I am innocent, and the victims’ testimonies are false."

▲Claire Bronfman [Image source=AP News]

Among the celebrities involved in this case, some were found guilty and sentenced to prison.

Claire Bronfman, daughter of Seagram founder Edgar Bronfman, was sentenced earlier this month to 6 years and 9 months in prison along with a $500,000 fine for hiding illegal immigrants in the U.S. to help Nexium and providing financial support using deceased persons’ credit cards.

Allison Mack, well known in Korea for the TV series 'Smallville,' was arrested in April 2018 on charges of recruiting female members and arranging sexual relations with Raniere, and was released on bail.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.