Chuck Fager - Kapaneeh Doe & Siahyonkron Nuanseor - Don Hall - Tom Krebbs - American Greed TV -
In the wake of one of the largest financial frauds in American history, five former leaders of the Greater Ministries International Church (GMIC) have been sentenced to long prison terms.
The scheme took in at least $500 million from 18,000 Christian investors who believed God would double their money.
In a Tampa federal court in early August, Gerald Payne, the leader of the scam, was sentenced to 27 years for his conviction in March on 19 counts of fraud, conspiracy, money-laundering, and related charges. His wife, Betty Payne, received 12 years and 7 months. Chuck Fager, article ‘Fraud: Greater Ministries Leaders Get Lengthy Prison Terms’
The Greater Ministries International Church, Greater Diamond Company, Rock Church International, Freedom Gold, Greater Group of Africa, Amalia Gold and Diamond, etc. have become synonymous with scams, unscrupulous investors, hustlers, con artists, hiding under the cloak of religion and posing as investors, doing business in Liberia. These organizations, using clever marketing schemes, religion and bribery, associated with organized crime in America, Europe and the world, have found willing partners in the Taylor regime, that is now combing the Liberian economy, transforming it into a hub for money-laundering, arms-trafficking and drug-smuggling.
These organizations, many of which are religious-based are involved in investment scams passing for legitimate businesses, which have become very lucrative business ventures with international dimensions. Kapaneeh Doe & Siahyonkron Nuanseor, article August 2001, ‘God Diamond and Investment in the Name of God’
Put money in God’s hand, and God gives it back to you double. Don Hall, US broadcast 26th July 2007
God never intended for his church to be poor. He said blessed are the poor in heart. Not pocket-book. Don Hall
Broken dreams, and that’s what makes me mad ... These are names of people who were victimised in the state of Georgia. We’ve just got the computer printouts on the lists of victims, and there are just thousands. Tens of thousands of ’em. The main thing: we’re shutting ’em down ... We ultimately found about $450,000,000 taken from people all over this country ... They destroy dreams, they destroy lives. And remember, they did it in the name of God. Tom Krebbs, Alabama Attorney
Selling investments requires a licence – a licence Gerald Payne doesn’t have ... After a four year inquiry, a Grand Jury hands down a twenty-year indictment, charging Gerald Payne and six church elders with conspiracy, money laundering and mail fraud ... According to the defense there was no fraud ... Gerald Payne receives twenty-seven years behind bars. American Greed s1e6: Greater Ministries International, CNBC 2007