Butler's Web: Krishna, Politics, and QNET's International Pyramid Scheme

While I am a bit hesitant to use the "cult" label, IGG does have many of the earmarks for such.  A disturbing piece considering Gabbard's rise in political power, the possible involvement of what could be considered an international crime syndicate, as well as foreign interests.

Butler's "MO was to recruit influential locals who could run for office,” Wehrheim said.

Though the IGG party didn’t formally last, the Butler group’s heavy involvement in Hawai‘i’s politics did. Elected officials who have been Butler devotees include former Hawai‘i State Sen. Rick Reed, former Maui County Councilman Wayne Nishiki, current Hawai‘i State Sen. Mike Gabbard, former Hawai‘i State Board of Education member Carol Gabbard, and current U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawai‘i, daughter of Mike and Carol).

Rep. Gabbard celebrated Butler (now Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupanda Paramahamsa) as her “guru dev” in a video presentation for a 2015 ISKCON anniversary event. She has been recognized as the first Hindu U.S. Congressmember, and she co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Rep. Gabbard identifies as a Vaishnava Hindu, Karma yogi, and Bhakti yogi.

On the financial front, a key part of the Butler group’s business network - rooted in the Down to Earth vegetarian grocery chain and Hong Kong-based QNET’s alleged international pyramid scheme – is currently being scrutinized in the Supreme Court of India.

 Butler's Web: Krishna, Politics, and QNET's International Pyramid Scheme