Siberian 'Jesus' Sentenced: 12-Year Term for Cult Leader

Sergei Torop, known as 'Vissarion' to his followers, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a cult in Siberia that exploited thousands. The former traffic officer, who declared himself the reincarnation of Jesus in 1991, led the Church of the Last Testament, amassing a devoted following in remote Siberian settlements. Authorities charged him with extorting money and causing physical and psychological harm to his followers. In a 2002 interview, Torop stated, 'It's all very complicated. But to keep things simple, yes, I am Jesus Christ.'
The court also sentenced his aides, Vladimir Vedernikov and Vadim Redkin, to 12 and 11 years respectively. The trio was found guilty of embezzling community funds and exploiting followers as free labor over nearly three decades. The cult, which enforced strict veganism and banned monetary exchange, was disbanded by court order in 2022. The case has sparked discussions on the influence of charismatic leaders and the vulnerability of isolated communities.
The court awarded over 45 million rubles (âŹ490,000) in damages to victims, highlighting the extensive financial and emotional toll inflicted by the cult's leadership.