In 1996, the popular Cult Awareness Network, abbreviated as CAN, a primary Scientology critic, was forced into bankruptcy by Scientology. An undercover Scientologist had infiltrated CAN, then 50 Scientologists filed suit against it, many containing almost identical language, after having sought to join the organization almost simultaneously and being denied. CAN's link to cult deprogramming enabled Scientology to file a lawsuit which resulted in a massive fine which added to CAN's legal debt, forcing bankruptcy. Legal maneuvering resulted in Scientology having control of the name and equipment, etc. and files of the old CAN, through Scientology associates. The files were then turned over to the Foundation for Religious Freedom,<ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c19.html</ref> one of many which serve as a "front" group for Scientology, or which are inordinately favorable to them.<ref>Multiple references:
*[http://www.apologeticsindex.org/f00.html#ffrf "Religious cults and sects: Apologetics research resources [index]/F#Foundation for Religious Freedom"] (2010). ApologeticsIndex website.
*http://www.xenu.net/archive/IRS/#VIII
*http://www.holysmoke.org/cos/cult-front-groups-latest.htm</ref>