AnonKat
Crusader
http://urbantitan.com/10-most-sinister-organisations/
5. Church of Scientology
Image source - dailycontributor
Regarded as the fastest growing religion in the world with 15 million members and counting, Scientology has attracted a lot of controversy over whether it really can be declared a religion or a money-making scheme. New members are required to pay “donation” fees in order to undergo tests, seminars and initiations. Should members wish to progress further up the echelons of the religion then they can expect to pay thousands of dollars. Founded on the basis of science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard’s bizarre musings the religion has attracted the attention of celebrity status with the likes of Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirsty Alley becoming members. It is thought this was done on purpose though to attract publicity and gain credibility. The church was embroiled in huge controversy in 1979 when it was discovered that operatives of the religion had been involved in events they called Operation Snow White. Infiltrating the U.S. government the church operatives were involved in spying and theft of government documentation on L. Ron Hubbard. The operation was considered to be the single largest infiltration of the US government undertaken in history.