In a shocking turn of events, the renowned yoga guru Gregorian Bivolaru, aged 71, along with forty followers, has been apprehended by French authorities on charges related to sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The arrests transpired during an early-morning raid on November 28. Bivolaru, a citizen of both Romania and Sweden, is the self-styled spiritual leader of the Atman Yoga Federation, also known as the Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute (MISA).

The allegations against the yoga guru and his organization involve brainwashing female adherents for the explicit purpose of sexual exploitation. This grave accusation has led to a significant crackdown by the French police. Bivolaru was taken into custody at a residence in Ivry-sur-Seine, in close proximity to Paris, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.

The Atman Yoga Federation, under the leadership of Bivolaru, operates internationally, with its primary office located in England. The organization is recognized for offering yoga classes and teacher training programs, making the recent arrests particularly noteworthy within the global yoga community.

Gregorian Bivolaru, besides being a spiritual leader, is a well-known author and yoga instructor with a global presence. The depth of his influence within the yoga community adds a layer of complexity to the charges brought against him and the Atman Yoga Federation. As the details of the case unfold, it raises questions about the exploitation of spiritual teachings for illicit activities, tarnishing the reputation of a once-respected figure in the international yoga scene.

In a meticulously planned operation, a total of 175 police officers were deployed, resulting in the apprehension of Gregorian Bivolaru and the release of 26 women. These women, some of whom had lodged complaints about being held against their will, were discovered in deplorable conditions described as cramped and dirty. The sweep of the operation spanned across various locations, including Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, and the Alpes-Maritimes.

The impetus for this massive police operation came from an inquiry initiated by French officials following allegations of psychological manipulation and sexual abuse within the Atman Yoga Federation. Former members of the organization came forward with reports of these offenses, prompting authorities to take action. The charges against Bivolaru and his followers include serious offenses such as human trafficking, organized kidnapping, rape, and systematic abuse of frailty by cult members. The extent and severity of these charges indicate the gravity of the situation and the potential criminal activities within the organization.

Beyond the national borders, Finnish authorities had sought Gregorian Bivolaru for suspected aggravated human trafficking. Additionally, Interpol, the international police organization, had issued a notice for his arrest. The international dimension of the case underscores the severity of the allegations and the need for coordinated efforts to address transnational criminal activities associated with the Atman Yoga Federation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the collaboration between national and international law enforcement agencies will likely play a crucial role in bringing justice to the victims and holding the accused accountable.

Contrary to the serious charges brought against him and the Atman Yoga Federation, claims from Gregorian Bivolaru's websites and those affiliated with the Atman Federation allege that he is the target of a vast conspiracy aimed at undermining him. This narrative, propagated by the accused, introduces a layer of complexity to the case, creating a potential conflict between the perspectives of the legal authorities and the accused.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the presence of a red notice for Gregorian Bivolaru on the Interpol website. This international alert signifies the severity of the charges and the global implications of the case. It emphasizes the need for international collaboration in addressing the alleged offenses and bringing the accused to justice.

The legal scrutiny into the Atman Yoga Federation began in the summer, focusing on charges of kidnapping, rape, and human trafficking. Shockingly, the allegations include claims of individuals being coerced into sexual activities and compelled to give pornographic performances. The recent operation targeted multiple locations affiliated with the group, believed to be used for indoctrination and forcing women into engaging in sexual activities. According to French authorities, these locations, referred to as "ashrams," housed women selected by Gregorian Bivolaru to receive initiation into tantric yoga.

A revealing statement from a judicial source emphasizes the disturbing nature of the allegations. The source unveiled, “The aim of the yoga training courses was to get people to take part in sexual and/or physical activities in conditions that made it possible at that stage to characterize the offense of trafficking in human beings.” This statement underscores the serious accusations against the Atman Yoga Federation, suggesting a deliberate effort to involve individuals in activities that could be legally categorized as human trafficking. The ongoing legal proceedings will be critical in determining the veracity of these claims and ensuring justice for the victims.

Shocking Origins of Gregorian Bivolaru and his Outfit

In 2013, Gregorian Bivolaru faced a damning conviction in Romania for engaging in sexual activities with a minor. At that time, he resided in France, but in 2016, he was extradited back to his native country to face the legal consequences. The narrative takes a shocking turn when, in 2017, Bivolaru managed to escape Romania after being granted conditional release, raising questions about the efficacy of the legal system and the potential risks posed by his actions.

Gregorian Bivolaru's journey into yoga began in 1978, a period when the practice was still prohibited in Romania due to the prevailing communist government. This historical context adds layers to the narrative, shedding light on the challenges and restrictions he faced in his early pursuits, setting the stage for the controversial figure he would later become.

The emergence of Bivolaru's dark cult occurred in the 1990s, marked by the promotion of "erotic tantric yoga" to attract followers beyond the borders of Romania. This strategy proved successful, as MISA, the organization founded by Bivolaru, established schools under different names in almost 30 countries. The institutions took on diverse identities, such as Satya in India, Tara in the United States and the United Kingdom, and Natha in Denmark and Portugal, indicating a global reach and influence.

Bivolaru's controversial perspectives and practices were documented in a book about tantric yoga published in 2010, where he wrote about achieving "a whole series of psycho-mental accomplishments that are generally considered paranormal" during his teenage years. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the profile of the cult leader, showcasing his early engagement with unconventional ideas that would later define his movement.

However, the cult's history is marred by disputes and accusations. In 2011, the MISA group faced allegations of engaging in "porno-yoga" incidents in Argentina and India, further tarnishing its reputation. In 2012, the group was accused of sexual slavery in Italy, pointing to a pattern of questionable activities associated with Bivolaru and his organization. These incidents highlight the controversial nature of MISA and its leader, raising concerns about the potential harm caused by the spread of their ideology across different countries.

Gregorian Bivolaru opened his cult in 30 countries, promoting erotic tantric yoga

He coerced his supporters into having group intercourse with him and giving him significant sums of money. Agnes Arabela Marques, one of the victims, dated the guru when she was only a 15-year-old. She disclosed, “Bivolaru claimed that, if I had sex with him as a yoga master, I could achieve superior levels of tantric spirituality. In his apartment, there were constantly girls that were there to have sex with him.” She further mentioned that he had faith in an Indian legend that declared he might become extremely spiritual if he had sex with 1,000 virgins.

Finnish human rights activist Seppo Isotalo spent nearly two years trying to support MISA throughout its trial. He revealed his 2007 covert meeting with the movement’s guru to a Finnish media MOT. “It was a most peculiar occasion, first we had to sit down and wait for him for several hours. And when he showed up, the people in the room jumped to kiss his feet. I didn’t.”

This revelation underscores the power dynamics within MISA, showcasing the guru's ability to command unquestioning loyalty and submission from devotees. The act of waiting for hours, coupled with the dramatic response upon his entrance, paints a picture of the guru as a figure of almost divine significance within the cult. The episode serves as a testament to the psychological control exerted over followers, fostering an environment where unquestioning obedience is not only expected but fervently displayed.

Isotalo asserted that the self-proclaimed guru sent women to Japan to dance at striptease clubs for financial gain. The most devout adherents reside in spiritual communities called ashrams. One of them was situated on a farm owned by Kim Schmock, a Danish yoga practitioner.

This revelation exposes the disturbing extent of MISA's exploitation, with the guru's involvement in activities contradicting the purported spiritual nature of the movement. Sending women to striptease clubs for financial gain suggests a blatant disregard for ethical principles, emphasizing financial profit over the well-being and autonomy of followers. The international scope of these ventures, reaching Japan, underscores the global reach of MISA's manipulative tactics.

In an MOT interview, Isotalo admitted that he didn’t immediately realize something wasn’t right and claimed that the group grew progressively more domineering once he became a part of it. 'All the expectations they have, ‘You have to do this, you have to do that’ and suddenly you don’t have time for your friends, you don’t have time for your family. They will be your family and actually, when you realize this, it’s often too late.'

This poignant admission by Isotalo, revealed in an MOT interview, sheds light on the insidious nature of MISA's influence. The gradual imposition of expectations and the deliberate erosion of personal connections depict an organization systematically isolating individuals from their external support systems. The intentional cultivation of dependence on the group as a substitute family reinforces cult-like dynamics, making it challenging for adherents to recognize the manipulation until it's too late.

Seppo Isotalo noted that since MISA members wouldn’t leave his home, he was forced to move out of his house and into a trailer near the farm. He was left bankrupt since he had to keep making the farm’s mortgage payments."

This account by Isotalo illuminates the severe consequences faced by those attempting to disassociate from MISA. The group's intrusive behavior, refusing to vacate Isotalo's home, compelled him to drastic measures, leading to financial ruin. The coercive tactics employed by MISA, such as forcing individuals into economic hardship, demonstrate the lengths to which the group goes to maintain control over its members.

Additionally, he discussed the strange and 'very erotic' rites that the cult would carry out. 'They have this annual event in the summertime where they have this Miss Shakti (power) contest, and it’s very erotic and this is part of the tantra.'

The revelation of MISA's annual event, the Miss Shakti contest, raises serious concerns about the group's exploitation of sexuality in the name of tantra. Describing the event as "very erotic" indicates a departure from genuine spiritual practices into explicit and questionable activities. This exposure further underscores the manipulative nature of MISA, utilizing rituals that blur the lines between spirituality and explicit content.

Masturbation in front of cameras is a feature of the Miss Shakti competition at MISA, an annual summer camp, according to the Finnish media MOT. Each participant must submit two pictures of themselves in a bikini or swimming trunks in order to be admitted to the program. Participants also must undergo syphilis and HIV tests, indicating sexual activities in the events.

The shocking details of the Miss Shakti competition, involving public masturbation in front of cameras, underscore the exploitative and degrading nature of MISA's practices. The imposition of stringent entry requirements, including explicit photos and mandatory STI tests, further highlights the group's focus on sexual activities. These revelations expose MISA's distortion of spiritual concepts for the sake of indulging in inappropriate and harmful practices within the guise of tantra.

MISA: Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute

MISA calls itself the 'largest yoga school in Romania and in Europe' and operates other purported 'yoga schools.' According to the French police, there are 'several hundred' members.

The self-proclaimed status of MISA as the 'largest yoga school in Romania and Europe' raises questions about the scale of its influence. The claim to operate additional 'yoga schools' hints at a broader network, potentially expanding the reach of the controversial practices associated with the group. The acknowledgment by French authorities of 'several hundred' members underscores the significance and potential impact of MISA's teachings and actions.

The group describes itself on its website as using 'a traditional rigorous approach of the yoga system,' which includes 'erotic postures' and 'amorous energy control techniques' from tantra yoga to assist practitioners 'on the way to ecstasy.'

MISA's self-description reveals a blending of traditional yoga principles with controversial elements like 'erotic postures' and 'amorous energy control techniques.' This fusion, particularly within the realm of tantra yoga, suggests a departure from conventional spiritual practices towards more unconventional and potentially exploitative methods. The promise of guiding practitioners 'on the way to ecstasy' through such techniques raises concerns about the group's true intentions and the well-being of its followers.

'Extraterrestrial civilizations' are mentioned on the website as well. However, because of alleged 'illicit' practices, the International Yoga Federation and the European Yoga Alliance declared in 2008 that they could no longer accept the group as a member.

The inclusion of 'extraterrestrial civilizations' in MISA's narrative adds a peculiar dimension to its spiritual claims. The subsequent expulsion by both the International Yoga Federation and the European Yoga Alliance in 2008, citing 'alleged illicit practices,' attests to the gravity of concerns surrounding MISA's activities. This expulsion indicates a broader consensus within the international yoga community against the group, emphasizing the severity of the allegations against MISA and its leader, Gregorian Bivolaru.

Gregorian Bivolaru has already drawn the notice of French authorities as well as those in his home nations.

The acknowledgment of Gregorian Bivolaru's scrutiny by French authorities and his home nations underscores the international nature of the allegations against him. This scrutiny reflects the seriousness with which authorities view the accusations, hinting at potential legal consequences for the leader of MISA.

Mental Manipulation Unveiled: Disturbing Allegations Against Gregorian Bivolaru

The human rights organisation La Ligue des droits de l’Homme announced in July that it had obtained statements from twelve former MISA members, prompting the first round of investigations into the claims.

The involvement of La Ligue des droits de l’Homme signals a critical step in addressing the allegations against MISA. The receipt of statements from twelve former members suggests a pattern of concern within the organization, leading to the initiation of official investigations. This development highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on the individuals associated with MISA.

The case was turned over to and overseen by the OCRVP (Office central pour la répression des violences aux personnes, or central office for the repression of violence towards people) and the Miviludes (Mission interministérielle de vigilance et de lutte contre les dérives sectaires, interministerial mission for the alerting and fighting against cults).

The transfer of the case to the OCRVP and Miviludes underscores the severity of the allegations, prompting the involvement of specialized offices dedicated to combating violence and monitoring sects. This institutional intervention suggests a recognition of the need for a comprehensive and targeted response to the allegations against MISA, emphasizing the potentially criminal nature of the accusations.

The accusations originated from multiple women who stated that in order to 'pay for their stay' they were coerced into having sex with Gregorian Bivolaru and 'to agree to participate in fee-paying pornographic practices in France and abroad.'

The nature of the accusations, involving coercion for sexual favors and participation in pornographic activities, reveals a disturbing pattern of alleged exploitation within MISA. The notion of individuals being coerced to 'pay for their stay' through such means raises ethical and legal concerns, pointing towards potential abuses of power and manipulation by Gregorian Bivolaru.

According to the victims, he would frequently invite ladies to his home for 'sexual initiation' through tantric yoga.

The claim of 'sexual initiation' through tantric yoga adds a layer of complexity to the allegations. The use of spiritual practices as a guise for sexual exploitation raises questions about the integrity of MISA's teachings and the ethical boundaries crossed by its leader. This revelation further intensifies the scrutiny on Gregorian Bivolaru and MISA, necessitating a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the veracity of the accusations and ensure justice for the victims.