The former ‘Vanguard’ of the NXIVM cult, Keith Raniere has been incarcerated in an Arizonan prison since October, 2020, after being sentenced to 120 years in prison on racketeering conspiracy and other charges. This week a $3.5 million fine has been slapped on him.
The $3.5 million will go to 21 victims of a sex-trafficking scheme within the cult. The retribution includes the cost of surgically removing Raniere’s initials that were branded into their skin just above the pubic bone. This was done in a ritual performed by a blackmailing ‘secret sorority’.
The branding symbolized the womens’ status as ‘slaves’. They had each given up ‘collateral’ — nude photos and other potentially damaging material —used to extort and manipulate the victims.
NXIVM cult-leader Keith Raniere Ordered to Pay $3.1M to 21 Victims to Remove His Branding
Raniere appeared via video from prison and told the judge he was confused by the restitution order as “I have never handled collateral.” He further alleged, “I don’t know anything about it,” and even claimed, “I don’t know who the victims are.”
This is not the first time the self-professed “smartest man in the world” has refused to take responsibility. When sentenced to his 120 years in prison he remarked, “I do believe I am innocent of the charges. It is true I am not remorseful of the crimes I do not believe I committed at all.” He still has many followers who agree he is their leader, or ‘Vanguard’.
Two of Raniere’s high-ranking NXIVM followers have also received prison sentences. Smallville actor Allison Mack, was sentenced to three years while Clare Bronfman, heir to the Seagrams fortune was sentenced to six years in prison, both for their parts in the cult’s racketeering,
identity theft and money laundering. Both women were involved in the branding, collecting of collateral and ‘owned slaves’. 2 more women- Nancy Salzman and Lauren Salzman (mother and daughter) await sentencing on similar charges.
It was unclear if Raniere has money to pay the restitution as set out by the courts. Thus far Bronfman has been paying his legal bills
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