Jailed Murcia Buddhist leader regains access to frozen bank accounts

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Self-styled ‘Total Transcendence’ is accused of drugging his followers in the A banilla foundation

Jailed Murcia Buddhist leader regains access to frozen bank accounts

In a recent development in a cult case that has shocked the Region of Murcia, the Court of First Instance and Instruction number 4 of Cieza has ordered the unblocking of the accounts belonging to José Manuel C, the self-proclaimed Buddhist leader of Abanilla, also known as ‘Total Transcendence’ to his followers.

This decision also extends to the accounts of the Mahasandhi Foundation and another company linked to the primary defendant.

In November 2023, the Mahasandhi leader, a native of Murcia, was arrested and sent to pre-trial detention, accused of drug trafficking, crimes against public health, supply and marketing of products and medicines, the crime of professional intrusion, crimes against natural resources and the environment, and the crime of illicit association.

The 50-year-old Buddhist was arrested by police officers belonging to the Cults Group of the National Police Information Headquarters in Madrid for allegedly drugging his followers.

The request for unblocking was put forward by lawyer Pablo Martínez, who is defending José Manuel C. and his foundation. Martínez emphasised the need to lift this provisional measure, imposed last November, to ensure the continued management of the company and fulfil financial obligations related to the foundation.

Following a thorough seven-month investigation, the judge’s written statement reveals that there are indeed “indications of criminality” among those under scrutiny. However, a crucial challenge emerges: it is exceedingly difficult to pinpoint an exact amount of civil liability, or financial responsibility, associated with any potential wrongdoing.

Taking these arguments into account, the judge concludes that the proposed measures would be “disproportionate”, and decided to unblock the bank accounts.

This development comes as a response to the alleged victims’ testimonies, providing a new direction in the case against the Buddhist leader and his foundation.

Image: Freepik

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