What did the NXIVM leader do and where is he now?

During his university years, Keith Raniere was considered very intelligent and had to achieve something important. However, no one expected that he would end up behind bars for establishing NXIVMone of the biggest cult groups in American history.

On July 20, 1988, Raniere founded NXIVM, billing it as a personal development company offering various self-improvement techniques. Over time, it became clear that NXIVM was more than just a personal development company. In 2017, former members of the group began publicly discussing the group and its operations. Without delay, authorities began investigating Raniere and his subordinates in the NXIVM cult case.

After almost a year of investigation, 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 on all counts and sentenced him to 120 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence at USP Tucson.

Keith Raniere: NXIVM leader sentenced to prison 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 denounced the group and called Raniere “the world’s strangest executive coach.” However, this did little to damage the credibility of the group and its leader.

But in 2017, Raniere’s heinous crimes came to light when former members of the group NXIVM came forward and spoke about a secret subgroup called The Vow. Before joining the group, each member was allegedly required to submit embarrassing information about themselves, including nude photographs. The complaints also claimed that anyone disclosing the existence of DOS would risk the photos being published.

After authorities began the investigation, it led to Raniere’s arrest in March 2018. Prosecutors opposed Raniere’s release on bail, saying he had a history of abusing young girls and women. The trial began in May 2019, with several women coming forward to reveal that Raniere and his subordinates had groomed them for a sexual relationship with the NXIVM founder. Prosecutors called him a predator and presented evidence showing Raniere operated NXIVM as a secret sex cult.

In July 2019, the court found Keith Raniere guilty of human trafficking, sexual offenses and fraud. The court sentenced the defendant to 120 years in prison, and he is currently serving his sentence in Tucson, Arizona.