- Nxivm was formed by Keith Raniere and Nancy Salzman in the 1990s and billed itself as a self-help multi-level marketing company.
- The company ceased operations last year after a New York Times exposé alleged that female members were used as sex slaves within the group.
- The exposé prompted a federal investigation, and several members, including Raniere and “Smallville” actress Allison Mack, were charged with federal crimes.
When Nxivm first formed in the 1990s, it was billed as a self-help multi-level marketing company that offered professional development seminars.
But over the three years, the organization has fallen apart after a New York Times exposé alleged that female members were branded and used as sex slaves by the group’s founder, Keith Raniere.
The exposé prompted a federal investigation and the arrests of several members, including Raniere and “Smallville” actress Allison Mack.
A number of defendants ultimately pleaded guilty and admitted to allegations made in The Times’ piece, including blackmail and enslaving members.
Nxivm has since shut down, and Raniere was found guilty of sex trafficking and sentenced to 120 years in prison. On Wednesday Nancy Salzman, who helped run the purported self-help group, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.
Here’s everything you need to know about Nxivm and the criminal case against the organization.