Yoga Guru Arrested by French Police for Alleged Involvement in Rape, Human Trafficking, and Kidnapping Scheme
French police have arrested yoga guru Gregorian Bivolaru, sought by Interpol, along with 41 individuals for accusations including kidnapping, rape, and human trafficking. The operation involved 175 officers and took place across Paris and other French regions.
Bivolaru, 71, allegedly lured victims promising spiritual enlightenment but then coerced them into sexual acts and exploitative practices. Authorities found 26 victims in poor living conditions, stating the victims were manipulated into sexual relations without consent, framed as a spiritual necessity.
Bivolaru's group, Atman Federation, claims no connection with his actions. The organization's network, MISA, founded by Bivolaru in 1990, boasts being Europe's largest yoga school. However, MISA denies Bivolaru's involvement since 1995 and describes the implicated French school as independent.
Previous allegations against Bivolaru date back years, including a 2013 conviction for raping a minor in Romania. He served part of his six-year sentence before fleeing in 2017, continuing his activities as a yoga instructor. He also faces charges in Finland for aggravated human trafficking. The judicial investigation ongoing in France stems from complaints filed by former MISA members and warnings from an NGO to government agencies monitoring cult activities.