Scientology is a belief system and movement created by American author L. Ron Hubbard. Initially, Hubbard introduced his ideas as Dianetics, which he presented as a form of therapy. However, after facing financial difficulties, he rebranded his ideas as a religion called Scientology in 1954, likely for tax-related reasons. The Church of Scientology, established by Hubbard, is the primary organization promoting Scientology. There are also independent practitioners in the "Free Zone." Scientology beliefs encompass concepts like reincarnation and the influence of traumatic "engrams" on the mind, which they claim can be eliminated through a process called "auditing" for a fee. Once an individual is deemed "clear" by an auditor, they can advance to the Operating Thetan levels, which require substantial payments and involve secretive texts about past lives in extraterrestrial cultures.

Scientology has faced extensive controversy and opposition since its inception, partly due to illegal activities by its followers. In the 1970s, Scientologists engaged in criminal activities, including infiltrating the U.S. government. Legal convictions were handed down, including Hubbard's conviction in absentia for fraud by a French court. Scientology has been described as both a dangerous cult and a manipulative profit-driven business by various government inquiries, scholars, and court judgments. While some countries recognize it as a religious institution, others classify it as a dangerous cult or an anti-constitutional sect, including Germany and France.