NXIVM was a multi-level marketing company founded in 1998 by Keith Raniere and Nancy Salzman. It offered personal and professional development programs, promoting self-improvement and empowerment through workshops and seminars. However, NXIVM gained notoriety for its controversial practices, including allegations of manipulation and abuse. In 2018, Raniere was arrested and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and other crimes, leading to a broader investigation into the organization and its inner circle, including high-profile members like Allison Mack.