MANILA, Philippines —The United States has formally requested the extradition of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy to face multiple criminal charges, including child sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud, money laundering, and visa fraud, according to Philippine government officials.

The extradition request, transmitted through the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of Justice in July, is now undergoing the legal process and will require approval from Philippine courts before Quiboloy can be surrendered to U.S. authorities.

Quiboloy, 76, has been detained in the Philippines since September 2024 after his arrest by the authorities following a massive police operation at the KOJC compound in Davao City. He is currently facing separate criminal cases in Philippine courts involving alleged human trafficking and child abuse.

Under the Philippines–United States Extradition Treaty, Philippine authorities generally require that local criminal proceedings be completed before extradition can proceed. However, Philippine courts may authorize the temporary surrender of an accused to stand trial abroad under specific circumstances.

U.S. federal prosecutors first indicted Quiboloy in 2021, accusing him of operating a scheme in which women and underage girls were allegedly coerced into sexual acts through threats and manipulation. The indictment also includes charges related to conspiracy, marriage fraud, cash smuggling, and money laundering.

Quiboloy has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that the cases against him are politically motivated and fabricated by former members of his religious organization.

The latest development marks a major step in the long-running legal battle involving the controversial televangelist and former spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippine judiciary is now expected to determine whether the U.S. extradition request will be granted while Quiboloy continues to face ongoing criminal proceedings in local courts.