Philippine Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Arrested: Faces Multiple Charges

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, has been arrested after a large police search in Davao. Quiboloy faces numerous charges including sex trafficking, sexual abuse of minors, and money laundering. He denies all accusations, and his legal representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

Philippine pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed 'Appointed Son of God,' has been apprehended following a massive manhunt by over 2,000 police officers in Davao. The celebrity evangelist faces allegations of sex trafficking and sexual abuse of minors. He denies the allegations and his lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Quiboloy appears on the FBI's 'most wanted' list in the U.S., where he is charged with running a sex-trafficking operation among other crimes. In 2021, a U.S. federal grand jury indicted him along with several associates on charges that include sex trafficking, fraud, coercion, and money laundering.

According to the indictment, Quiboloy and his associates exploited women and underage girls under the guise of religious duties. Females aged 12 to 25 were recruited as personal assistants, termed 'pastorals,' and were coerced into sexual activities under threats of eternal damnation and physical abuse. The indictment further alleges involvement in a labor trafficking scheme and fraudulently obtaining visas. Additionally, there are charges of bulk cash smuggling and money laundering, with allegations that money was illegally sent back to the Philippines.

(With inputs from agencies.)