Paris — The leader of a multinational tantric yoga organization has been arrested in France on suspicion of indoctrinating female followers for sexual exploitation. Gregorian B., 71, the Romanian guru at the heart of the Atman Yoga Federation, was detained during a police operation in the Paris region. The Atman federation, which is headquartered in England, runs yoga courses and teacher trainings.
The investigation into Bivolaru and the yoga federation, also known as the Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, started after reports of psychological manipulation and sexual exploitation within the organization. Former MISA members alerted authorities to the alleged abuses. Bivolaru is being charged with human trafficking, organized kidnapping, rape, and organized abuse of weakness by members of a sect, according to French authorities. Interpol has also issued a notice for Bivolaru’s arrest on behalf of authorities in Finland, where he is wanted for alleged aggravated trafficking in human beings.
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The raids in France involved 175 police officers and resulted in 40 other arrests across the French capital and other regions. The operation targeted locations used by the organization, where women were reportedly indoctrinated and coerced into sexual practices. These locations, known as “ashrams,” served as housing for women selected by Bivolaru for initiation into tantric yoga practices, according to French authorities.
Bivolaru, who was convicted years ago of raping a minor in Romania, founded MISA in 1990. The organization expanded internationally as the Atman Yoga Federation. The French investigation found evidence that students were coerced into sexual activities, including participating in explicit video chats for monetary gain. These alleged activities, carried out under the pretense of tantric yoga teachings, formed part of an intricate system of financial exploitation and control, according to the judicial official.
The arrest and subsequent investigation have shed light on the dark side of the yoga world, where vulnerable individuals can be manipulated and exploited. Authorities are working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those affected, and to bring justice to those responsible for these crimes.
