Peter Letterese, who is an ex-member of the Church of Scientology, has filed a lawsuit in the sum of $250 million.
In documents submitted to the Southern district court in Florida on July 15, the former member also accused actor Tom Cruise, who ranks second in line as a leader in the organisation behind David Miscavige. Cruise is regarded as the primary spokesperson in America and abroad by the Church.
Letterese, who claims that he was defrauded and harassed by the Church of Scientology, describes the religious sect as functioning like the Mafia and other criminal drug rings. He is asking authorities to investigate the group for corruption.
The director of public relations for the Church of Scientology, Karin Pouw, told the New York Daily News, "This is a frivolous suit based on falsehoods."
Tom Cruise’s attorneys have not made any comments on the accusations.