Lev Tahor Leader Jonathan Castillo Arrested for Alleged Human Trafficking
Jonathan Emanuel Cardona Castillo, a member of the Lev Tahor sect, has been arrested by El Salvador Police after allegedly fleeing Guatemala while altering his appearance to evade arrest. He faces charges of human trafficking, forced marriage, and child abuse, with extradition proceedings already initiated. This follows a significant raid in Guatemala where numerous children and women were rescued from the sect due to reports of abuse.
The El Salvador Police have apprehended Jonathan Emanuel Cardona Castillo, a 23-year-old member of the Lev Tahor sect, who fled Guatemala while attempting to alter his appearance to escape arrest. Castillo is facing serious allegations, including human trafficking, forced marriage, and child abuse. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway for his extradition to Guatemala, where he is required to stand trial. He was intercepted at a border entry point, though the date of his arrest remains unspecified.
Insiders from the Lev Tahor sect have disclosed concerning transformations in Castillo’s behavior since his induction into the group. Specific remarks highlighted his increasing aggression and threats towards children associated with the cult. In a defense claim, Uriel Goldman, a leader within the sect, maintained that Castillo was expelled due to his unacceptable conduct and provided documentation to support this assertion. Goldman’s claims also suggested that potential recruits had been rejected due to suspected drug trafficking affiliations.
Originally from La Libertad, Colón, El Salvador, Mr. Castillo entered the Lev Tahor sect after converting during his time in Guatemala. His notoriety escalated following an Interpol red notice issued on December 27, 2024, prompted by requests from the Guatemalan prosecutor’s office and the National Civil Police for his connection to serious criminal activities.
The Lev Tahor sect’s activities drew significant attention earlier in December when Guatemalan authorities executed a raid on their compound in San Rosa, resulting in the rescue of approximately 160 children and 40 women from alleged abusive conditions. These individuals have since been placed into welfare facilities for their protection.
The Lev Tahor sect is a fundamentalist Ultra-Orthodox group that has been involved in various controversies, particularly concerning child welfare and human rights violations. Allegations of forced marriages, human trafficking, and abusive practices have plagued the sect, drawing attention from law enforcement and child protection agencies. The recent actions taken by authorities, including international law enforcement collaboration, underscore the severity of the allegations and the ongoing efforts to address and rectify such abuses within the group. The sect’s practices have sparked widespread concern regarding the treatment of its members, especially vulnerable children and women.
The case of Jonathan Castillo exemplifies the troubling allegations surrounding the Lev Tahor sect and the serious implications of their practices. His apprehension in El Salvador marks a critical step in addressing accusations of human trafficking and abuse. The ongoing legal proceedings against him, along with the recent raids by Guatemalan authorities, indicate a concerted effort to combat the sect’s harmful influence and protect its members from further exploitation.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
