During his college years, Keith Raniere seen as highly intelligent and expected to achieve something important. However, no one expected him to be behind bars for inauguration NXIVMone of the largest cultural groups in US history.
On July 20, 1988, Raniere founded NXIVM, branding it as a personal development company that provided various methods for self-improvement. As time passed, it became clear that NXIVM was more than just a personal development company. In 2017, former members of the group began to speak publicly about the group and their works. Without delay, the authorities began investigating Raniere and his subordinates in the NXIVM cult case.
After almost a year of study, authorities arrested Raniere in March 2018 for engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which included human trafficking, sex crimes, and fraud. More than a year later, in June 2019, the court reportedly found Raniere guilty of all charges and sentenced him to 120 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence at USP Tucson.
Keith Raniere: NXIVM CEO jailed on multiple charges
Keith Raniere founded NXIVM in 1998, and the group was influenced by the teachings of Ayn Rand, one of Raniere’s favorite authors. However, it didn’t take long for NXIVM to be on everyone’s radar. In 2003, Forbes revealed the group and called Raniere “the world’s weirdest executive coach”. However, it did little to damage the organization and the leader’s credibility.
But in 2017, Raniere’s serious crimes came to light when former members of the NXIVM group came forward and opened up about a secret sub-group called The Vow. Before joining the group, all members reportedly had to submit embarrassing information about themselves, including nude photos. The complaints also claimed that anyone who revealed DOS would be at risk of public release of those photos.
After authorities began the investigation, this led to Raniere’s arrest in March 2018. Prosecutors opposed Raniere’s bail, saying he had a record of abusing girls and young women. The trial began in May 2019, with several women stepping forward to state that Raniere and his subordinates had been groomed for sexual relations with the founder of NXIVM. Prosecutors labeled him a predator and presented evidence that showed Raniere operated NXIVM as a secret sex cult.
In July 2019, the court found Keith Raniere guilty of human trafficking, sex crimes, and fraud charges. The court gave the defendant a 120-year prison term, and he is now reportedly serving in Tucson, Arizona.
