Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Italian Yoga Guru Arrested After Abuse Allegations at Retreat
Italian police arrested Bruno Antonio Malatesta, who ran a spiritual community and retreat.
He is suspected of sexually abusing students, including people who were minors.
These are allegations, and the report does not say that he has been convicted.
Investigators say the group attracted people with classes in yoga, meditation and martial arts.
Former members allege that people faced strict rules, hard work and physical, psychological and sexual abuse.
One woman said she joined when she was 11.
Police removed at least 20 women from the retreat and moved them to safe houses.
The investigation had been underway for two years.
Bruno Antonio Malatesta, 59, was arrested on October 1, 2026, on suspicion of sexually abusing students, including alleged minors.
The arrest followed a two-year investigation by Turin Carabinieri, code-named “Operazione Asmodeo.”
Investigators allege that the Almese retreat used yoga, meditation and martial arts courses to draw in vulnerable people and subject them to abuse.
A 27-year-old woman identified by the pseudonym Pandora said she joined the group at age 11 and described alleged coercion and abuse.
Authorities removed at least 20 women from the villa complex and took them to safe houses; three other people were reported still to be sought.
- Who
- Bruno Antonio Malatesta was arrested; investigators say students, including alleged minors, were among the victims.
- What
- Malatesta was arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse and other alleged abuse at a retreat.
- When
- He was arrested on October 1, 2026, after a two-year investigation.
- Where
- At a retreat in Almese, near Turin, Italy.
- Why
- The arrest followed an investigation into allegations of abuse and coercion within the community.
- Person arrested
- Bruno Antonio Malatesta, 59
- Arrest date
- October 1, 2026
- Police operation
- Operazione Asmodeo
- Investigation
- Turin Carabinieri investigation lasting two years
- Retreat location
- Almese, near Turin, Italy
- People removed
- At least 20 women were taken from the villa complex to safe houses
- Other people sought
- Two women and one man were reported still to be arrested