The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on Filipino pastor and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church leader Apollo Quiboloy over ‘serious human rights abuse’ in connection to his physical and sexual abuse allegations.

In a press release last December 10, 2022, the department stated that, “In 2021, a federal indictment alleged Quiboloy was involved in sex trafficking ‘pastorals’ — young women within the KOJC selected to work as personal assistants for Quiboloy. Pastorals were directed to have ‘night duty.’”

“Quiboloy exploited his role within the KOJC to rape his victims and subject them to other physical abuse, describing these acts as sacrifices required by the Bible and by God for the victims’ salvation. The pastorals, who were mostly minors when initially abused by Quiboloy, were told by him to “offer your body as a living sacrifice.” One female reported she lost count of the number of times she was forced to have sex with Quiboloy, as it was at least once a week even when she was a minor and in every country to which they traveled. Another woman reported she was forced to perform night duty at least 1,000 times," they added.

The pastor was also reported to be personally responsible for beating victims in particular parts of their bodies to easily hide bruises. They have the so-called “Upper Six”, a secured compound built for punishments, to abuse those who angered the pastor.

Apollo Quiboloy is now designated as a pursuant to Executive Order No. 13818 which is issued to a foreigner “responsible for or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse.”

He was also in Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion, and Sex Trafficking of Children; Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion; Conspiracy; and Bulk Cash Smuggling.

The list of 40 individuals sanctioned by the Treasury was released in celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day.