The FBI’s Hunt for Filipino Megachurch Leader Apollo Quiboloy: A Case of Sex Trafficking and Abuse

Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) megachurch, is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a sex trafficking scheme that exploited and abused young women and girls. Quiboloy, who is also a close friend and spiritual adviser of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has been hiding in the Philippines since 2021, when a federal grand jury in California indicted him and two of his associates on multiple charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.

What are the accusations against Quiboloy and his associates?

Quiboloy and his associates are accused of running a sex trafficking operation that spanned from 2002 to 2018, and that targeted vulnerable and impressionable women and girls, mostly from the Philippines, who were lured into joining KOJC with promises of salvation and a better life. According to the indictment, Quiboloy and his associates:

• Recruited and groomed female members of KOJC to become Quiboloy’s personal assistants, or “pastorals”, who were required to perform sexual acts with him, as well as to cook, clean, massage, and serve him. The pastorals were also subjected to physical and psychological abuse, and were isolated from their families and friends.
• Transported and harbored the pastorals in the US and other countries, using fraudulently obtained visas and passports, and using Quiboloy’s private jet and luxury vehicles. The pastorals were also forced to smuggle large amounts of cash for Quiboloy and his associates, and to lie to the authorities about their purpose and activities.
• Exploited and coerced the pastorals and other members of KOJC to solicit donations for a bogus charity, called the Children’s Joy Foundation (CJF), which claimed to help impoverished children in the Philippines, but in reality, funded Quiboloy’s lavish lifestyle and church operations. The solicitors were also subjected to long hours, harsh conditions, and strict quotas, and were punished if they failed to meet the expectations.

What are the evidences and testimonies against Quiboloy and his associates?

The evidences and testimonies against Quiboloy and his associates include:

• Documents and recordings that were seized by the FBI during raids on Quiboloy’s properties and offices in the US, which showed the details and transactions of the sex trafficking and cash smuggling schemes, as well as the communications and instructions of Quiboloy and his associates to the pastorals and the solicitors.
• Statements and declarations of several former pastorals and solicitors, who escaped or defected from KOJC, and who revealed the horrors and abuses that they endured and witnessed under Quiboloy and his associates. Some of them also filed civil lawsuits against Quiboloy and his associates, seeking damages and justice.
• Reports and investigations of various media outlets and human rights organizations, such as the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, and Amnesty International, which exposed and documented the crimes and violations of Quiboloy and his associates, and which raised awareness and outrage among the public and the authorities.

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What are the reactions and responses of Quiboloy and his associates?

Quiboloy and his associates have denied and dismissed the accusations against them, and have claimed that they are victims of a political and religious persecution, orchestrated by the US government and its allies, who are threatened by Quiboloy’s influence and popularity. Quiboloy and his associates have also:

• Refused to cooperate and comply with the US authorities, and have evaded and resisted the attempts to arrest and extradite them. Quiboloy has been hiding in his compound in Davao City, Philippines, where he enjoys the protection and support of his loyal followers and some local officials.
• Continued to operate and expand their church and charity activities, both in the Philippines and abroad, and have maintained their media and online presence, where they preach and propagate their doctrines and beliefs, and where they solicit and collect donations and contributions from their members and supporters.
• Challenged and attacked their critics and opponents, and have accused them of being liars, traitors, and agents of the devil. Quiboloy has also claimed that he has the power and authority to stop and punish his enemies, and that he will soon be vindicated and victorious.

The FBI’s hunt for Quiboloy is a case of sex trafficking and abuse, that involves a Filipino megachurch leader, who claims to be the “Appointed Son of God”, and who has been exploiting and abusing young women and girls, who were lured into joining his church with promises of salvation and a better life. Quiboloy is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a sex trafficking scheme that spanned from 2002 to 2018, and that targeted vulnerable and impressionable women and girls, mostly from the Philippines. Quiboloy has been hiding in the Philippines since 2021, when a federal grand jury in California indicted him and two of his associates on multiple charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling. Quiboloy and his associates have denied and dismissed the accusations against them, and have claimed that they are victims of a political and religious persecution, orchestrated by the US government and its allies..