A yoga leader promised followers enlightenment. But he's now accused of sexual abuse

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Bivolaru’s group, initially known as MISA and later as the Atman yoga federation, allegedly engaged in non-consensual sexual activities under the facade of tantra yoga teachings, according to a French judicial official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation. Despite expulsion from international yoga federations and legal scrutiny for prostitution, sexual slavery and human trafficking, the group's “ashrams” were centers for indoctrination and sexual exploitation, disguised as spiritual enlightenment, according to the official. Finnish media reported systematic sexual exploitation at Bivolaru’s Helsinki yoga school, and in 2017, Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation issued an international arrest warrant for him for alleged aggravated human trafficking. In France, yoga retreats held in and around Paris and also in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southern France sought to make people take part in sexual activities, the French judicial official said.