Published on April 2, 2024, 1:11 am

Image source: Fox News

In a controversial event that has sparked outrage in Central America and beyond, the Nicaraguan judiciary has found 11 pastors linked with Mountain Gateway ministry from the U.S. guilty on charges of money laundering. This scandal also puts three unidentified U.S. citizens squarely in its sights, yet they have eluded arrest up until this point according to Nicaragua’s Office of the Prosecutor.

The convictions center around an accused money laundering network, which purportedly operated via wire transfers from the U.S. to Nicaragua. Interestingly, this news breaks on the heels of several large-scale evangelistic campaigns conducted by Mountain Gateway Ministry within various cities across Nicaragua, drawing well over a million attendees.

These public hearings were overseen at Managua’s Central Judicial Complex, with verdicts handed down under closed conditions. It follows an announcement made on January 17 by Nicaraguan prosecutors who formally charged three U.S .citizens alongside 11 Nicaraguans for alleged malpractice involving money-laundering activities.

The indictment suggests these individuals formed a cartel using two Christian NGOs as cover-ups. Prosecutors hold that Americans identified as John Britton Hancock, Jacob Britton Hancock, and Casandra Mae Hancock established a subsidiary arm for Mountain Gateway Ministry in Nicaragua purposed to facilitate these questionable wire transfers.

As per Steve Lisby, spokesperson for Mountain Gateway earlier in January when addressing Christian Daily International said: “We firmly believe the charges brought against us are unfounded. As required by Nicaraguan law regarding monetary operations, we have complied thoroughly—our documentation stands as testament to our adherence.”

Given this legal entanglement, requests have been made towards human rights organizations globally and even reached the U.S State Department – all maintaining charge against religious and political suppression taking place in Nicaragua.

ADF International stands as one organization taking action against these allegations together with support from senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). They have called upon the Biden administration to impose stringent sanctions in response to recurring violation of religious freedom rights witnessed in Nicaragua.

Kristina Hjelkrem, legal counsel for ADF International commented on the situation stating “No one is immune from religious oppression in Nicaragua. It’s disheartening to witness these arbitrary accusations, trial, and conviction of these pastors whose primary goal was nothing more than sharing their faith with Nicaraguan citizens and sincerely serving them.”

As our quest for real news and trusted news continues, it is essential to remain vigilant about issues like this that impact societies across nations. With a Christian worldview, we stand together with the global community in hope that justice prevails.