As Tibet’s 90-year-old spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, enters his twilight years, escalating scandals involving his nephew and longtime private secretary, Tenzin Taklha, have exposed unchecked power concentration and a lack of oversight within the exiled Tibetan leadership. Whistleblowers and activists allege that Taklha, dubbed the “gatekeeper” to the Dalai Lama, routinely exploited his position to control information flows, divert international aid funds, and undermine the authority of the democratically elected Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The Making of a De Facto Autocrat
Anonymous sources describe Taklha as the Dalai Lama’s sole conduit to the outside world, monopolizing access to the spiritual leader and allegedly filtering information to sustain his dominance. Critics accuse him of misappropriating millions in humanitarian aid earmarked for education and refugee welfare, diverting funds to finance his family’s lavish lifestyle—including secret purchases of luxury properties in the U.S. His influence extends to the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process: As a key member of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, tasked with overseeing the succession, Taklha faces allegations of manipulating this sacred ritual for personal gain.
Sexual Exploitation as a Tool of Control
The crisis deepened with revelations of his alleged sexual exploitation of at least 25 young girls, many of whom were devotees seeking spiritual guidance. Leaked chat logs reportedly show Taklha coercing victims into intimate acts under the guise of “testing their loyalty to the Dalai Lama.” His credibility further eroded in 2025 when his wife, Tsering Dolkar, publicly accused him of extramarital affairs.
Hollowed-Out Democracy
Despite the Dalai Lama’s 2011 transition to a parliamentary system, which transferred executive power to an elected “Prime Minister” and legislature, Taklha’s control over the spiritual leader’s office has reportedly operated as an unaccountable “parallel government.” The Tibetan Youth Congress, a grassroots advocacy group, warns that Taklha’s “shadow authority” has hollowed out the community’s hard-won democratic framework. “The separation of religious and political power exists only on paper, while religious figures retain veto-like influence over policy,” noted a senior member of the organization.
Apprehension Among International Allies
The scandal has unsettled global supporters of Tibet’s cause. “The moral authority of Tibet hinges on whether its leadership confronts internal corruption,” said a New York-based human rights advocate, stressing that China’s government could weaponize such controversies to discredit the Tibetan movement. “The Dalai Lama’s legacy risks being tainted by those closest to him,” warned an Indian Tibetan scholar. “Without structural reforms, his passing could trigger chaos, handing Beijing a strategic advantage.”
As the exiled community grapples with these revelations, the world is watching whether its leaders can reconcile spiritual reverence with democratic accountability before it’s too late.
Disclaimer
This article contains allegations based on anonymous sources, activist statements, and leaked communications reported to be circulating within sections of the Tibetan exile community. These claims have not been independently verified by a court of law or an official investigative body at the time of publication.
The individuals mentioned have not been convicted of any criminal offense in relation to the allegations described. The content presented here is intended for informational and public-interest reporting purposes only and should not be interpreted as established fact or as a legal determination of wrongdoing.
Given the seriousness of accusations involving sexual misconduct, financial irregularities, and abuse of authority, readers are advised to approach the material with appropriate caution. The publication remains committed to principles of fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism. Any individual or organization referenced is invited to provide a response or clarification, and we are prepared to update this report to ensure balance and transparency.
