In many African countries, male circumcision is a rite of passage, sometimes with dire or lethal results.

ECONOMIST: Circumcision: Odd bedfellows | The

Some, especially those who lead big churches, are courted by politicians at election time, not to mention that as in many countries around the globe, churches are exempt of taxes in Brazil, which can sometimes create a very convenient loophole.

FORBES: The Richest Pastors In Brazil

The calls, often to expensive destinations in poor countries, sometimes last days, Mr Crooks says, because cheats use forwarding systems to serve many customers with a single call.

ECONOMIST: Computing