- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A heartbreaking case in Taiwan has revealed how a terminally ill woman and her son were exploited for years under the guise of “spiritual healing.” The woman, identified only by her surname Wang, and her son lost a staggering Rs 3.7 crore after enrolling in a fraudulent “spiritual growth course” that promised enlightenment and healing.
According to the South China Morning Post, Wang joined the course in August 2013 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The program, run by two women identified as Zhang and Chen, claimed to offer spiritual purification and atonement for one’s sins. Fearing that her condition would worsen if she disobeyed, Wang continued attending sessions for nearly a decade. In April 2021, her son also joined the program, hoping it would bring peace and healing to their family. However, what followed was a systematic pattern of manipulation and psychological control.
Forced Marriages And Psychological Abuse
Among the most disturbing revelations was that Wang and her son were coerced into same-sex marriages in 2021 and then forced to divorce a year later. One participant told the court that she was beaten until she agreed to divorce her husband and was then immediately married to Wang.
The cult leaders also used fear tactics to maintain control. Chen allegedly told Wang, “You are going to die, even the gods cannot save you. Your family will be torn apart, and you will die with resentment, unable to be reincarnated.”
Exorbitant Fees And Financial Ruin
The so-called “spiritual masters” charged exorbitant sums for advancement within the program. Becoming an “Energy Purification Master” alone costs Rs 57 lakh. Participants were also fined for missing phone calls, each lapse costing Rs 2,800, under the pretext of “managing karma.”
To keep up with the relentless financial demands, Wang’s son sold their family home. By March 2023, Wang had paid over Rs 1.95 crore, while her son contributed Rs 1.86 crore. The mother and son only realised the scam in April 2024 after consulting legal experts. They filed a lawsuit against Zhang and Chen, demanding compensation.
During the proceedings, the defendants argued that the family had “voluntarily participated” and that spiritual progress could not be scientifically measured.
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