Federal investigators from multiple agencies are currently looking into Robert Singh, the alleged leader of a so-called “TikTok” cult. This group is accused of exploiting aspiring dancers who believed they would achieve fame through Singh’s talent agency. Just recently, agents from the FBI, IRS, USPS, and the labor department descended on Singh’s home in Tujunga, Los Angeles, although he wasn’t there at the time.
There’s some uncertainty about whether the 87-year-old Shin, who is often compared to a cult figure, was among those involved in the raid.
So, who exactly is this Shin?
He started the Shekina Church in 1994, which has gained notoriety, particularly after being featured in the Netflix series “Dancing for the Devil: The 7m TikTok Cult.”
Shin owns various companies, including 7M Films, and is linked to several businesses in California, such as Shinn Entertainment Corp., IP Random Film, IHD Studio, and Glory Bag Records.
Singh shares ownership of the raided property with others, and he has positioned himself as a “man of God.” Reportedly, dancers were invited to sign contracts with his agency, 7M Films, where they were led to believe they could become TikTok sensations.
In stark contrast, Singh allegedly manipulated these individuals both physically and financially, and there’s been testimony of physical and emotional abuse, with some dancers even claiming they were urged to cut ties with family members.
Some former dancers have also accused Singh of sexual assault.
The church reportedly encouraged its members to sacrifice their time and finances to aid a mission to “save” a billion souls.
The search warrants issued during the raid detailed serious allegations, including sex trafficking, money laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion, and fraud related to COVID-19.
Reports suggest that some individuals were coerced into joining the Shekina Church and later became recruiters for the talent agency.
Singh, married to Hannah Singh, has previously denied ownership of both the Shekina Church and 7M Films, as reported.
Born in Canada, Singh’s net worth is estimated at around $15 million. One of his children, Chloe Singh, a singer-songwriter, was expelled from the church in 2022 along with her husband. Interestingly, Chloe’s music has even made it into popular reality shows.
In 2009, a woman named Lydia Chung sued Shin, alleging she was forced to surrender $3.8 million due to manipulation and intimidation tactics by the church. She claimed the church exploited her labor without pay six days a week, although the ruling was ultimately in her favor.
Moreover, in 2011, Jung Hee Lee, a former church member, accused Shin of imposing a meager salary of $30 a week for full-time work, winning her case and receiving compensation. In turn, Singh himself has sued several ex-members for labeling the organization a cult.
