Arabic version: تابعة سابقة تطالب مجموعة روحية بـ2.55 مليون دولار

According to ABC News, former follower Dinah Klinge is seeking $2.55 million from a northern New South Wales spiritual group over loans she says were not repaid. The claim is being heard in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, with judgment reserved for a later date.

Ms Klinge says she loaned money to the group, referred to in court as “the fellowship”, between 2008 and 2016 on the understanding it would be repaid. The defendants include Hermes Far Eastern Shining, Infinity – Forms of Yellow Remember and Fellowship of the Esoteric School of Higher Learning.

Her lawyers argue the groups operate as one interchangeable entity. Drew Porter, also known as Showme Showers, Salsa Headrock Junior and Mobius Anthanor Barnaby are also listed as defendants. Ms Klinge’s representative, Gregory O’Reilly, told the court Ms Porter was the fellowship’s spiritual leader.

The statement of claim includes $450,000 allegedly loaned in 2008 for an overdue tax debt and $600,000 loaned in 2014 for urgent financial matters. Ms Klinge also claims she agreed in 2016 to liquidate $500,000 from a government bond scheme after Ms Porter said the money would be repaid.

Mr O’Reilly told the court some money was used for business-class travel to the United States for fellowship duties. The defendants deny liability, arguing the repayment terms were “hopelessly vague” and that some entities were deregistered and could not have contracted with Ms Klinge. Their lawyer also argued delay in bringing the case had affected their ability to obtain evidence.