Gregorian Bivolaru, the leader of the Atman Yoga Federation, has been detained in Paris following allegations of indoctrination and sexual abuse within the organization.
French authorities have arrested Gregorian Bivolaru, the leader of the multinational tantric yoga organization known as the Atman Yoga Federation, on charges of indoctrinating female followers for sexual exploitation. The arrest came as a result of a massive police operation in the Paris region, which targeted several locations used by the organization. Bivolaru, an internationally known yoga teacher and author, is facing charges of human trafficking, organized kidnapping, rape, and organized abuse of weakness. The investigation into Bivolaru and the Atman federation began after former members reported psychological manipulation and sexual exploitation within the organization.
Allegations of Psychological Manipulation and Sexual Exploitation
The investigation into Gregorian Bivolaru and the Atman Yoga Federation was prompted by reports of psychological manipulation and sexual exploitation within the organization. Former members of the organization, known as MISA, alerted authorities to the alleged abuses. The Atman federation, which is headquartered in England, runs yoga courses and teacher trainings. The investigation found evidence that students were coerced into sexual activities, including participating in explicit video chats for monetary gain. These activities were allegedly carried out under the pretense of tantric yoga teachings, forming part of an intricate system of financial exploitation and control.
The Arrest and International Arrest Warrant
Gregorian Bivolaru, also known as Gregorian B., was arrested in France during a massive police operation involving 175 officers. The operation resulted in 40 other arrests across the Paris region. Bivolaru, a Romanian national, is also wanted by authorities in Finland for alleged aggravated trafficking in human beings. Interpol has issued a notice for his arrest on behalf of the Finnish authorities. The Atman federation’s website and other sites associated with Bivolaru claim that he is the victim of a plot to discredit him.
Allegations of Historical Convictions and Expanding Organization
Gregorian Bivolaru, 71, founded MISA, the organization that later expanded internationally as the Atman Yoga Federation, in 1990. Bivolaru was convicted years ago of raping a minor in his native Romania. The investigation in France revealed that the organization’s “ashrams,” which served as housing for women selected by Bivolaru for initiation into tantric yoga practices, were allegedly locations where women were indoctrinated and coerced into sexual practices. The French authorities have charged Bivolaru with human trafficking, organized kidnapping, rape, and organized abuse of weakness by members of a sect.
Conclusion: The arrest of Gregorian Bivolaru, the leader of the Atman Yoga Federation, on charges of sexual exploitation has sent shockwaves through the yoga community. The allegations of psychological manipulation and sexual abuse within the organization have raised concerns about the potential for such practices to occur in other spiritual communities. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to address the issue of sexual exploitation and ensure the safety and well-being of those involved in spiritual organizations. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in spiritual communities to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
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