A former cult member shows the brand she was given (Image: NYTNS / Redux / eyevine)
The alleged leader of a New York 'sex cult' has been arrested in Mexico and accused of keeping women as slaves after burning his initials onto them.
An FBI chief has said Keith Raniere is charged with "a disgusting abuse of power" and branded his actions "serious crimes against humanity".
Raniere, 57, was arrested in Mexico and faces sex trafficking and forced labour charges.
He co-founded a group named DOS, which means 'Lord/Master of the Obedient Female Companions'.
It is alleged he also oversaw the secret "slave and master" system in a group of which he is co-founder, called Nxivm - but these are allegations Raniere has previously denied.
The Brooklyn US Attorney's office said Raniere was the only male member, and alleges that all 'slaves' were required to have sex with him.He threatened to share personal information about them if they did not comply, it is claimed.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: “As alleged in the complaint, Keith Raniere created a secret society of women whom he had sex with and branded with his initials, coercing them with the threat of releasing their highly personal information and taking their assets,”
And FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney said: “As alleged, Keith Raniere displayed a disgusting abuse of power in his efforts to denigrate and manipulate women he considered his sex slaves.
"He allegedly participated in horrifying acts of branding and burning them, with the cooperation of other women operating within this unorthodox pyramid scheme.
"These serious crimes against humanity are not only shocking, but disconcerting to say the least, and we are putting an end to this torture today."
Raniere was arrested outside a luxury villa in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta and brought to Texas.
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