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

By THOMAS ADAMSON
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Gregorian Bivolaru was known by his followers as “Grieg” and their guide through tantra yoga toward enlightenment and a higher state of consciousness. But Bivolaru represents a far more sinister figure for European police which view him as a master manipulator accused of sexual abuse and exploitation. The arrest this week in the Paris region of the 71-year-old yoga leader marked the culmination of a six-year police manhunt involving Interpol. The sweep was led by a French police unit that combats crimes committed by sects and which mobilized 175 officers. Authorities also freed 26 people who were described as sect victims who’d been housed in deplorably dirty and cramped conditions. Fifteen suspects including Bivolaru appeared before a judge on Friday.