La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World) is a religious organization founded in Mexico in 1926, known for its evangelical Christian doctrine and global reach, with millions of followers across Latin America, the United States, and other regions.
The church has long been controversial, particularly due to legal scandals surrounding its leadership. In 2022, its former leader, Naasón Joaquín García, was sentenced in California to over 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexual abuse involving minors, sparking international outrage and scrutiny of the church’s internal practices.
In September 2025, Mexican authorities detained several members of La Luz del Mundo in Michoacán, accusing them of operating a covert command structure linked to illicit activities. Among those apprehended was a high-ranking member from the state of Tlaxcala, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed. The arrests were part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities, coercive recruitment methods, and potential ties to organized crime.
Security officials reported that the group maintained encrypted communications and operated under a hierarchical system resembling paramilitary cells. The Tlaxcala-based member was reportedly responsible for coordinating regional logistics and managing funds tied to church operations.
The detentions have reignited debate over the church’s influence and legal accountability in Mexico. While La Luz del Mundo continues to deny any wrongdoing and defends its religious mission, critics argue that the organization must be subject to greater transparency and oversight.
The federal government has pledged to continue investigating the church’s activities, particularly in light of past abuses and the growing number of complaints from former members. The case remains under review, with further legal actions expected in the coming months.
Sources: El Universal, Proceso, Fiscalía General de la República.
