As we know, the first steps of scientology in Russia were connected to "Narconon". However, it seems that it found much more effective vehicle for the expansion. It is "administrative technology" provided by "Hubbard College". In the midst of economical chaos which now reigns in the former Soviet Union, the scientologists offer something that seems easy and effective way of managing the industrial enterprises, offices, banks, companies, etc. It is difficult to refuse their offer: they promise immediate sharp raise of productivity and profits for anybody that will install Hubbard system of administration at the given enterprise. They tell about thousands upon thousands of enterprises that work along Hubbard technology line. The list includes even such industrial gigants as "Ford", "Folio" and "General Electrics".
Through the expansion of Hubbard College the scientologists seem to kill three birds with one stone: by establishing their footholds at the various enterprises they create their own financial empire; by infiltrating the administrative offices of the provincial governments they attempt to get hold on the ruling elite of the large territories; and last but not least they recruit the most reach and the most powerful people in the country. To reach this end scientologists cooperate with several travel agencies which organize luxurious Mediterranean tours. Among many attractions listed in the adds there is a mention about "absolutely free" courses of business adminestration offered by "the most famous throughout the world" Hubbard College from America. The courses can be taken between disco time and sunbathing, and the diploma is given at the end of the tour.
What is the result of this policy? Right now scientological system is already installed in the hundreds of factories, banks, insurance companies, etc. It means that scientology in fact effectively owns them. It is interesting that the special effort goes for infiltrating large industrial plants producing heavy machinery and military items. That is why the scientologists, pay special attention to the Urals where most of these plants are situated. By now they got into dozens of mammoth industrial plans in Perm and Ekaterinburg provinces. As the practice shows, the installation of Hubbard system at the plant means creation of Stalinist regime, speedy departure of the best specialists and many thousands of dollars paid to the scientologists in order to train those who have left. Media coverage of the life of one of the first plants that vent over to "Hubbard Technology system" - the fan (ventilator) plant "Moven" in Moscow - read like the horror story. The power of hubbardists over "Moven" ended several months ago when the direction of the plant Mr.Mironov was murdered.
However, this story did not impress anybody and the activity of Hubbard College continues to grow. It seems that the scientologists are the most successful in Perm where they managed to convert the Mayor, Mr.Vladimir Fil. The founders and the proponents of Hubbard college in Perm are the city and provincial administration. Mr.Fil went through hubbardist training in Moscow and is about to continue it in L.A. Meanwhile he issued a decree that all his staff must adopt to Hubbard system of administration along with the borough governments. He even publicly vowed that the entire city of Perm (about 1,5 million population) will convert to Hubbard methods within 6 months. Moreover, the newly appointed president of the only local TV company in Perm is also a scientologist. Thus, the cult has in fact created a monopoly on electronic media in the area.
Surely, Perm is not the only example of the scientology advance in Russia. The mayor of Novgorod also went through Hubbard College training. The scientologists hosted a retreat for the mayors of the towns of Central Russia. So, much is to be seen ahead...
When the concerned individuals would address those responsible for installation of Hubbard colleges in their places and try to warn them about the dangers of scientology the answer always would be the same: Hubbard College is a totally independent structure which has nothing to do with the scientological ideas or structures.
While it is obvious that it is not so they would cling to this point and would not hear any arguments. So it is quite obvious that they deliberately turn away from the truth.
However, the truth cannot be hidden and even the most ardent proponents of Hubbard College cannot avoid but admit it.
Thus the words of the Mayor of Perm Vladimir Fil are highly characteristic. When the representatives of the city intellectual elite wrote an open letter to him explaining what the scientology is like, he dismissed it, saying that he is only interested in the technology invented by Hubbard while as far as he - Fil - is concerned he could not care less about Hubbard himself, who could have believed even in the devil, for all he cares!
Well, in this Mr.Fil is absolutely right - Hubbard did believe in the devil.