BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- The Church of Scientology says it will fight criminal charges in Belgium that flow from a crackdown on its European operations.

A 10-year investigation by a Belgian prosecutor has resulted in charges including fraud and extortion. The probe concludes that the group should be considered a criminal organization.

The investigation claims up to 12 members of Scientology should face charges of extortion and fraud against ex-members. It accuses Scientology’s Europe office and Belgian missions of unlawful practices in medicine, violations of privacy law and the use of illegal business contracts.

The Church of Scientology’s Europe office says it was not surprised at the recommended charges. It called the investigation “the same old story” and an attempt to convict the church even as the charges are being brought.