GRAPEVINE, Texas — Federal investigators searched the headquarters of televangelist Benny Hinn on April 26, according to news station WFAA, the Dallas ABC affiliate. A federal source told WFAA that the Internal Revenue Services’ investigation into Hinn has been lengthy, but investigators at the scene offered no specifics about what they were looking for at the Grapevine office.
Ole Anthony, whose nonprofit group Trinity Foundation tracks religious fraud, said Hinn has raised millions of dollars through his so-called “healing” ministries. Hinn’s TV program, “This Is Your Day,” is one of the world’s most-watched Christian programs, according to the show’s website.
In 1999, Hinn announced the future construction of a $30 million healing center in Irving, Texas, a project that raised millions. But the center was never built, Anthony said.
“What happened to the money? Same thing that always happens. It goes to meet the needs of Benny and his confidants,” Anthony said. “There is more fraud in the name of God, not just in America, but in the world, than any other kind of fraud.”
WFAA reported that Hinn’s spokesperson had no comment on the investigation. (TAB)
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