National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales
The National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales (全国霊感商法対策弁護士連絡会, zenkoku reikan-shōhō taisaku bengoshi renraku-kai) (abbreviated to zenkoku benren (全国弁連)) is a non-profit anti-cult association established in May 1987, comprising about 300 lawyers in Japan. It is specialized in providing legal assistance for victims of cult-related frauds, known as spiritual sales (霊感商法) in Japan, from religious organizations, primarily the Unification Church (UC), as well as advocating preventive measures against the malpractices.
The UC, founded by Sun Myung Moon in 1954, has long been accused of employing manipulative and coercive tactics to make victims donate large sum of money or buy overpriced items, in some cases more than what the victims can afford. According to the association the total of confirmed financial damages linked to the UC during the 35 years through 2021 has surpassed ¥123.7 billion (US$899.2 million).