On July 8, 1977, more than 130 FBI agents executed coordinated search warrants at Scientology facilities in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. What they uncovered launched one of the most significant investigations in FBI history and exposed a covert operation known as Operation Snow White.
Recovered documents revealed a complex effort by the Church of Scientology's Guardian's Office to obtain confidential government records concerning Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. According to the government's case, the operation involved hundreds of Guardian's Office personnel and related participants, reached into numerous U.S. government agencies, and extended to activities in approximately thirty countries.
This documentary follows the investigation from the dramatic FBI raids through months of evidence analysis, the leadership role of Mary Sue Hubbard and the Guardian's Office, the convictions and prison sentences of eleven senior officials, and the questions that remain about the broader operation and those who were never prosecuted.
Using court records, historical documents, and documented events, this film explores one of the most remarkable FBI investigations of the twentieth century and examines the competing perspectives surrounding Operation Snow White. If you enjoy FBI investigations, hidden history, true crime, espionage, and historical documentaries, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more stories from history.
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