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Fraud

Two Pastors Arrested in Multi-Million Dollar Human Trafficking and Money Laundering Scandal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Two senior pastors in the United States have been arrested in a $50 million human trafficking and money laundering conspiracy that utilized a network of call centers across the country. The operation, led by Michelle Brannon and David Taylor of the Kingdom of God Global Church, forced victims to work long hours without pay, and allegedly controlled every aspect of their daily lives. The investigation, involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice, uncovered a complex web of financial transactions and luxury purchases, including boats, jet skis, and ATVs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Department of Justice arrested two pastors, Michelle Brannon and David Taylor, on charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
  • The alleged multi-million dollar human trafficking and money laundering operation utilized a network of call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
  • The pastors convinced victims to work long hours without pay, and allegedly controlled every aspect of their daily lives, including forcing them to take emergency contraceptives and transport women.
  • The church received around $50 million in donations through its call centers between 2014 and now.
  • The pastors are accused of using much of the money to buy luxury properties, vehicles, and sporting equipment.
  • Each alleged crime carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 or $500,000.
  • The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan after a nationwide takedown of the forced labor organization.
  • The FBI conducted raids in multiple states, including Hillsborough County's exclusive Avila neighborhood in Florida.
  • The pastors face charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Statistics:

  • The alleged human trafficking and money laundering operation involved a network of call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
  • The church received around $50 million in donations through its call centers between 2014 and now.
  • Each alleged crime carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 or $500,000.
  • The pastors allegedly used the money to buy luxury properties, vehicles, and sporting equipment, including boats, jet skis, and ATVs.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Justice Website Statement
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation News Release
  • U.S. Department of Justice News Release
  • Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, Justice Department's Civil Rights Division
  • U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr., Eastern District of Michigan
  • Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman, FBI Detroit Field Office
  • Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office

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