In the mystic realm of fengshui, where energies and fortunes entwine, a disturbing saga unfolds. Five police reports have been filed against an alleged fengshui master, whose followers accuse him of molestation, scams, and threats, according to Shin Min Daily News.
What began as a quest for spiritual enlightenment took a sinister turn, revealing a web of deceit and exploitation.
The Rise and Fall of the Accused Fengshui Master
The accused presented himself as the apprentice of a renowned fengshui master in Hong Kong, luring in followers with tales of ancient wisdom and mystical prowess.
Establishing three shrines in Singapore, his charisma attracted a significant following, peaking at around 100 members.
A concerning pattern emerged as the majority of the followers, ranging from their 20s to 40s, were women. The group’s dynamics constantly shifted, with people joining and quitting. The allure of fengshui intertwined with the alleged master’s charismatic persona, drawing in unsuspecting devotees.
Allegations of Misconduct: Unveiling the Dark Secrets
Several victims came forward, recounting instances of molestation. Ms. Bai, a member of the group, disclosed that the fengshui master had touched her inappropriately just weeks after joining. Shockingly, this was not an isolated incident, with others reporting similar encounters.
Members detailed instances where the fengshui master exploited his position, discussing intimate matters during private conversations. Ms. Bai revealed how uncomfortable discussions about the master’s carnal desires left her perturbed, exposing a blatant misuse of trust and power.
Ms. Ouyang shared her ordeal of the fengshui master kissing her while intoxicated, raising concerns about the abuse of authority within the group. Ms. Lan added that she was subjected to unwanted physical contact, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Financial Exploitation: The Cost of Allegiance
The alleged fengshui master purportedly charged substantial administrative fees from new members, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Additionally, followers were obligated to pay a monthly fee of $150, adding a financial burden to their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Financial exploitation extended to the various rituals offered by the master. From $388 for luck improvement to thousands for fengshui adjustments, the fees reached tens of thousands for blessings. Astonishingly, one follower reportedly spent a staggering $100,000 on these ceremonies.
Members like Ms. Lan and her husband disclosed spending approximately $20,000 on fengshui and transcendence membership fees. The financial strain, coupled with the alleged misconduct, prompted many to reevaluate their association with the group.
Manipulation and Fear Tactics: A Cult-Like Grip
Members claimed they were coerced into obedience due to the fengshui master’s knowledge of their birth dates and eight characters. Fearful of potential curses, they hesitated to defy his orders, creating a culture of submission within the group.
The master allegedly invoked different gods’ names to control his followers, threatening dire consequences if they deviated from his instructions. Additionally, members were tasked with purchasing expensive wines under various pretexts, highlighting the manipulation and control exerted by the alleged master.
In a twist, the Hong Kong fengshui master, allegedly the accused’s mentor, denied any association beyond a brief two to three-month stint. The apprentice was reportedly expelled for non-compliance, shedding light on a fractured mentor-disciple relationship.
Aftermath: Members Speak Out and Police Reports Filed
Around 60 members chose to distance themselves from the group in the wake of the alleged misdeeds. Ms. Lan expressed the initial desire for genuine learning, but the revelations prompted a collective decision to quit and involve the police.
In response to media inquiries, the police acknowledged five reports filed against the fengshui master, confirming ongoing investigations. The legal repercussions of the alleged misconduct cast a shadow on the once-mystical aura surrounding the accused.