Feds raid LA home tied to ‘TikTok cult’ from Netflix documentary

A quiet Tahunga neighborhood was jolted awake as federal agents executed a high-profile raid tied to shocking allegations of sex trafficking and fraud. The dramatic operation, complete with flashbangs and a forced entry through the front gate, targeted a property linked to the controversial Shakina Church and its affiliate entertainment company, 7M Films.

The Allegations
Authorities served a search warrant citing accusations of sex trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, mail fraud, and fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. Sky Fox aerial footage captured the aftermath, showing a mangled front gate and five individuals in handcuffs.

Ties to Netflix Documentary
This property has been thrust into the spotlight following the release of Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, a Netflix documentary from May 2024. The film accuses Robert Shin, pastor of the LA-based Shakina Church and founder of 7M Films, of manipulating young dancers through emotional and psychological control. Former members, including Melanie Lee, have long called for law enforcement intervention.

“It started out fairly innocuous, but the control slowly grew,” said Lee, who joined Shakina Church at 15 and left in her 20s. “I know for a fact that they will find things that he’s done that are evil and criminal.”

A Community in Shock
Residents of the peaceful neighborhood described hearing what sounded like gunfire as federal agents breached the property. “It’s really, really creepy. This is a great, quiet little community with a lot of families,” one local said.

What’s Next?
While the details of the search warrant remain sealed, former members express confidence that investigators will uncover substantial evidence. “We feel liberated. We feel that maybe justice will finally be served,” Lee said.

Federal authorities have not revealed how long this investigation has been underway, but insiders indicate that the case has been in the works for some time.