We expect another full day of testimony at the Danny Masterson retrial in Los Angeles, and you can expect our reports to start hitting your inboxes at the usual times later today.
But in the meantime, we wanted to share with you a really interesting lead sent to us by a reader who happened to notice something at the US State Department’s official record of Freedom of Information Act requests that have been made in the past couple of years.
The thing about these FOIAs is that they are themselves searchable, and we confirmed with our own eyes what our reader had noticed: That in the past couple of years, Scientology’s in-house legal flunky, attorney and OT 8 Scientologist Kendrick Moxon, has been making dozens of requests regarding what the US government knows about Scientology in other countries.
Here’s what our reader sent us:
Kendrick Moxon filed a large number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with the US Department of State in 2021 and 2022 relating to various activities in Scientology. His filings requested all records pertaining to Scientology in 46 countries over the last several decades. I see no records he filed any FOIA requests with the Department of State prior to this.
The order of his requests suggests the most interest in Scientology activity in Australia, New Zealand, Canada as well as Belgium, Mexico and the UK. This may correspond to the current importance placed in R1 visa locations.
Notably, he did not request records relating to Scientology activities in Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Aruba or other Caribbean countries.
He highlighted interest in some key terms I have not seen noted before, including the “Grecian Arts Company.”
A quick breakdown of requests by continent/region shows the following:
– Europe – 19
– Asia – 9
– Africa – 7
– North and Central America – 5
– South America – 3
– Oceania – 2
– Middle East – 1
F-2022-02881- general records request on Scientology, “Operations Transport Liaison (“OTC”), “Apollo” ship, L. Ron Hubbard and/or any Scientologists
F-2022-03061- records on Scientology and Australia & New Zealand
F-2022-03062- records on Scientology and Canada
JAN 2022 REQUESTS
F-2022-03063- records on Scientology and Belgium
F-2022-03089 – records on Scientology and Mexico
F-2022-03111 – records on Scientology and United Kingdom
F-2022-03139 – records on Scientology and Germany
F-2022-03224- records on Scientology and Hungary
F-2022-03258- records on Scientology and Spain
F-2022-03307 – records on Scientology and Austria
F-2022-03337 – records on Scientology and Columbia
F-2022-03352- records on Scientology and Finland
F-2022-03389 – records on Scientology and Japan
F-2022-03417- records on Scientology and Netherlands
F-2022-03431 – records on Scientology and Norway
F-2022-03513 – records on Scientology and Israel
F-2022-03560 – records on Scientology and Italy
F-2022-03560 – records on Scientology and Sweden
F-2022-04115- records on Scientology and France
F-2022-04557- records on Scientology and Denmark
FEB 2022 REQUESTS
F-2022-04222- records on Scientology and South Africa
F-2022-04222 – records on Scientology and Taiwan
F-2022-04298 – records on Scientology and Georgia
F-2022-04577 – records on Scientology and Argentina
F-2022-04755 – records on Scientology and Panama
F-2022-04848- records on Scientology and Portugal
F-2022-05117 – records on Scientology and Algeria
F-2022-05152 – records on Scientology and Morocco
F-2022-05167- records on Scientology and Tunisia
F-2022-05527- records on Scientology and Ireland
MARCH 2022 REQUESTS
F-2022-05504- records on Scientology and Zimbabwe
F-2022-05573- records on Scientology and India
F-2022-05599- records on Scientology and Brazil
F-2022-05934- general records requests on Scientology
F-2022-06230- records on Scientology and Greece
F-2022-06237- records on Scientology and Philippines
F-2022-06067- records on Scientology and Kenya
F-2022-06442 – records on Scientology and Croatia
F-2022-06447 – records on Scientology and Tanzania
F-2022-06626- records on Scientology and Slovenia
APRIL 2022 REQUESTS
F-2022-06760 – records on Scientology and Costa Rica
F-2022-06772 – records on Scientology and Nicaragua
F-2022-06964 – records on Scientology and Sri Lanka
F-2022-06982- records on Scientology and former Macedonia/present North Macedonia
F-2022-07400- records on Scientology and Pakistan
F-2022-07469- records on Scientology and Thailand
F-2022-07398- records on Scientology and Indonesia
Here are examples of typical requests:
F-2022-06760
Requestor: Moxon, Kendrick
Organization: Law Office of Kendrick Moxon, P.C.
Filed: 4/4/2022
Request: all files systems, indices and records repositories of the U.S. Department of State in or relating to Costa Rica be searched and all records produced regarding the following matters: All records on the Church of Scientology, Scientology, Dianetics, Scientology Volunteer Ministers and L. Ron Hubbard (Founder of the Scientology religion) (Date Range for Record Search: From 1/1/1970 To 4/1/2022)
F-2022-06982
Requestor: Moxon, Kendrick
Organization: Law Office of Kendrick Moxon, P.C.
Filed: 4/7/2022
Request: request that all files systems, indices and records repositories of the U.S. Department of State in or concerning the former Macedonia and the present North Macedonia, be searched and all records produced regarding the following matters: Any records concerning Scientology, Church of Scientology, Scientology Volunteer Ministers, Operations Transport Corporation (“OTC”), “Apollo” ship and L. Ron Hubbard (Founder of the Scientology religion) (Date Range for Record Search:
From 1/1/1960 To 4/7/2022
F-2022-05117
Requestor: Moxon, Kendrick Law Office of Kendrick Moxon, P.C.
Filed: 2/18/2022
Request: records regarding Scientology, the Church of Scientology, Operations Transport Corporation (“OTC”), “Apollo” ship, “The Guardian,” “Grecian Arts Company,” and L. Ron Hubbard, and all files systems, indices and records repositories of the U.S. Department of State concerning Algeria, including but not limited to, the Bureau of African Affairs, Algeria Desk in Washington D.C., the U.S. Embassy in El Mouradia, Algeria, and any Consulate offices in Algeria (Date Range for
From 1/1/1966 To 2/17/2022
So what do you think, gang. What is Moxon up to?
He’s no doubt seeking this information on orders from his leader, David Miscavige. But what’s up with the voluminous request for US records about Scientology in other countries?
We look forward to your best guesses.
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Technology Cocktail
“Everything that comes along is used by a thetan to keep things from going away. He gets a cannonball in the stomach and says, ‘Ah, that moment of impact kept the body from going away. So I’ll make a picture of the impact’ — hence the necessity for pictures — ‘and have it keep the body from going away from here on out.’ That is why people hang on to impact engrams. It is fear of loss—fear that they will lose a body.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1958
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney
“The FB, the FAO and the FSO presented me with an enormous KEY TO THE PLANET to celebrate 9 May, the 21st Anniversary of the publication of “Dianetics the Modern Science of Mental Health.” THANK YOU! A party was proposed but was considered too little notice and everyone too rushed. The presentation was appreciated. These fantastic stats also came up on 9 May. It was quite an anniversary.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 10, 1971
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“NOTICE: We are extending our stay in this port until Wednesday 12.5.71 so that we can complete a heavy campaign to strengthen PRO Area Control. A Dinner Dance is being held at a top local hotel on Tuesday night for shore VIPs, Contractors and business associates.” — Lt. N.F. Starkey, Captain FSO, May 10, 1971
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“I want to clarify something. All those who say that the Clear Theta Clear does not exist and that L. Ron Hubbard is a liar need to go to a psychiatrist. Why? All gifted children are Clear Theta Clear. Including me. All the children of God are Clear Theta Clear, because they were created in the image and likeness of God, says the bible. Genesis 1:26. Including Me. Now if you don’t have the ability to use your inner power, it’s not our fault.”
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1997: Scientology’s Freedom magazine is calling for information on any misdeeds by executives of the St. Petersburg Times. The information will likely be used in future “dead agent” attacks against the paper. “Under Investigation: Readers with information about crimes or misconduct by executives at the ‘St. Petersburg Times’ should send full details in writing to ‘Freedom’, 503 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 34616. This includes information regarding racial and gender bias or discrimination, sexual harassment, employee abuse or any violation of existing laws.”
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“The gambling analogy for Scientology is more appropriate than the drug one. At least with drugs you actually get something real for your money — the fact it may be really bad for you is a different story. In Scientology all you get is air and worthless slips of paper, just like the lottery.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Mistrial declared November 30. Retrial scheduled, jury selection begins March 29. Next pretrial hearing: Feb 16.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing Feb 13.
— Rizza Islam, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for March 1 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next status conference Feb 13.
Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court, Scientology moving to compel arbitration. Plaintiffs filed amended complaint on August 2. Hearing November 17 to argue the arbitration motions, awaiting ruling.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: March 15, 2023.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through February 7.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: New trial ordered after appeals court overturned prior ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.
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After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology celebs in hot water: Danny’s not the only Masterson brother facing legal issues
[TWO years ago] Ahoy, thetan: Ready to fondle empty bottles on Scientology’s cruiseless cruise ship?
[THREE years ago] On Mother’s Day, the moms who suffer and defy Scientology’s cruel ‘disconnection’ policy
[FOUR years ago] More signs that things are really going totally great for the Church of Scientology right now
[FIVE years ago] How much do the Don Rogers letters shake up early Dianetics history? Two experts weigh in.
[SIX years ago] Nazanin Boniadi’s FBI testimony: Cast as Tom Cruise’s girlfriend by Scientology
[SEVEN years ago] Phil and Willie’s excellent adventure: Taking on Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ policy in L.A.
[EIGHT years ago] Ryan Hamilton files his 28th fraud lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehab network
[NINE years ago] Jamie DeWolf: I’ve found the last memoir of the son of Scientology’s founder
[TEN years ago] SCIENTOLOGY FILES TO REMOVE GARCIA ATTORNEYS FROM FRAUD LAWSUIT
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,025 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,530 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,080 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,070 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,961 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,265 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,136 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,241 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,688 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,030 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,596 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,515 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,683 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,264 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,525 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,561 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,277 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,841 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,156 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,331 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,882 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,013 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,351 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,206 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,325 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,681 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,984 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,090 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,488 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,364 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,947 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,442 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,696 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,805 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 10, 2023 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
