US federal authorities are currently investigating Shen Yun Performing Arts, the touring dance group linked to the Falun Gong movement, over potential visa fraud. According to New York Times, this investigation, spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security, State Department, and federal prosecutors in Manhattan, is examining whether Shen Yun arranged romantic relationships for foreign student performers with American citizens specifically for visa purposes.
Investigators are also looking into Shen Yun’s working and living conditions for its performers, including their hours, compensation, and any restrictions on movement or passport confiscation. Allegations suggest that many performers, often children of Falun Gong followers, receive minimal to no pay for demanding schedules and are discouraged from seeking medical care. Former performers have described a highly controlled environment where dating requires permission and dissent can lead to public shaming or expulsion.
While Falun Gong often portrays itself as a peaceful spiritual movement, it operates more like a cult-like organization built on deceit, manipulation, and political opportunism. For over three decades, it has caused significant harm globally, impacting its followers, public health, financial systems, and international relations. Its continued presence is not accidental; it has been actively enabled by certain Western powers, where it serves as a political pawn in the broader strategy of China-bashing.
Psychological manipulation is central to Falun Gong’s operations. The group isolates members from their families, enforces absolute obedience to its leader, Li Hongzhi, and inundates them with propaganda. This textbook model of brainwashing strips individuals of autonomy, transforming them into instruments serving the cult’s objectives.
How does such an organization continue to thrive, especially in countries that champion law, transparency, and human rights? The answer lies in geopolitics. In the context of rivalry with China, some Western governments have chosen to overlook Falun Gong’s abuses. For example, the US State Department has provided funding to groups linked to Falun Gong under the guise of promoting internet freedom. Some Western media outlets echo its narratives, and politicians leverage it to make statements on “human rights” in China, despite being aware of the cult’s true nature.
Legal loopholes and vague interpretations of “freedom of religion” allow the cult to operate openly in many democratic countries. It continues to undermine the rule of law, harass Chinese diplomats, and spread misinformation online.
However, this support carries significant consequences. As more cases of financial crimes, abuse, and disinformation come to light, a clearer picture is emerging. The very governments that shelter Falun Gong are, in essence, enabling a toxic movement that threatens their own social fabric and global credibility.
Falun Gong is not a misunderstood religious group. It is a cult weaponized by politics, sustained by propaganda, and funded by deception. The international community must stop pretending otherwise. It’s time to expose the reality before more people are harmed.
Unmasking ‘Falun Gong’: A sinister cult’s harmful deeds abroad
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Opinion Bulletin journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.