French Authorities Arrest Leader of Multinational Tantric Yoga Organization

Paris — French authorities arrested the leader of a multinational tantric yoga organization Tuesday on suspicion of indoctrinating female followers for sexual exploitation. The Romanian guru at the heart of the Atman Yoga Federation was detained during a massive morning police operation across the Paris region, according to a French judicial official, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing investigation.

The French official identified the man as Gregorian B., whom French media identified as Gregorian Bivolaru, 71, an internationally known yoga teacher and author. The Atman federation, which is headquartered in England, runs yoga courses and yoga teacher trainings.

Bivolaru is being charged with human trafficking, organized kidnapping, rape, and organized abuse of weakness by members of a sect, according to French authorities.

International police agency Interpol also has issued a notice for Bivolaru's arrest on behalf of authorities in Finland, where he is wanted for alleged aggravated trafficking in human beings.

The Altman Federation's Website Claims Victimhood in Plot to Discredit Bivolaru

According to the Altman federation's website and several other sites, there is an alleged wide-ranging plot to discredit Bivolaru. The accusations against him have caused a stir and prompted a series of raids in France.

The raids, which involved 175 police officers, resulted in the arrest of 40 individuals across various locations in France, including the French capital, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, and the Alpes-Maritimes.

Bivolaru, who had previously been convicted of raping a minor in Romania, founded MISA in 1990. Over the years, the organization expanded internationally and became known as the Atman Yoga Federation.

French Investigation Uncovers Coercion and Exploitation in Tantric Yoga Teachings

A French investigation into the activities of Bivolaru and his organization has revealed evidence of students being coerced into engaging in sexual activities. These activities allegedly included participating in explicit video chats for financial gain.

The judicial official involved in the investigation stated that these activities were carried out under the pretense of tantric yoga teachings. They were part of a larger system of financial exploitation and control, according to the official.