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Bruno Antonio Malatesta arrested for leading spiritual sect in Val di Susa
Italian authorities have arrested 59-year-old Bruno Antonio Malatesta, accused of leading a spiritual sect in Almese, Val di Susa, that subjected followers to psychological manipulation and slavery. The investigation, launched by the Carabinieri in March 2024, reveals that Malatesta allegedly used yoga, meditation, and martial arts classes to recruit vulnerable individuals.
Under the guise of the Fiore della Pace Foundation, Malatesta reportedly coerced women into taking vows of poverty and obedience, forcing them to surrender their assets. Victims, often referred to as 'nuns' or 'adepts,' were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse, including against minors, and forced to work shifts of 12 to 13 hours.
The investigation was bolstered by the persistence of an ex-husband who had filed a complaint as early as 2018. While that initial report was archived, subsequent complaints and the ongoing Carabinieri probe led to the current arrests. Two female collaborators and one male collaborator are also under investigation for their roles in managing the community and performing unauthorized 'sexual therapies.'
Entities
Almese · Bruno Antonio Malatesta · Carabinieri · Fiore della Pace Foundation · Fondazione Fiore della Pace · Torino · Val di Susa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Members of the community were allegedly forced to work shifts of 12 to 13 hours. www.today.it · www.radiobruno.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The leader allegedly forced female followers to take vows of poverty and obedience, surrendering their assets to him. www.radiobruno.it · www.today.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation documented sexual abuse of victims, including minors. www.radiobruno.it · www.today.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation into a spiritual sect in Val di Susa began in March 2024. www.radiobruno.it · www.today.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Two female collaborators and one male collaborator are under investigation. www.radiobruno.it · www.today.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Malatesta allegedly used yoga, meditation, and martial arts classes as a front to recruit vulnerable individuals. www.radiobruno.it · www.today.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bruno Antonio Malatesta, 59, allegedly led a sect operating under the Fiore della Pace Foundation. www.today.it · www.radiobruno.it