Businessman sues Agape Ministries cult leader over false claims

Runaway cult leader Rocco Leo convinced a successful Adelaide businessman he would be poisoned and killed by an evil government unless he handed over $1.2 million, court documents allege.

The documents say that the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is suing the head of Agape Ministries for more than $1 million, plus damages, costs and interest, after he handed over cash and goods to the doomsday cult.

Court documents state Leo told the man the earth’s population would soon be impregnated with tiny microchips that would hold their personal information.

Those who refused the chip would be branded terrorists and gassed or beheaded in government-run concentration camps.
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The document states the businessman handed over $820,000 in cash, as well as $132,000 in equipment and $250,000 in free labour.

Leo was said to have told him the money would be used to establish a Bible college for Agape members and set up Butterflies Cafe, a former Pirie St business which he said would help street kids and victims of abuse.
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