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2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated
Pseudo-sect investigation and arrests in Val di Susa
Overview
Authorities in Torino have arrested 59-year-old Bruno Antonio Malatesta following an investigation into a suspected pseudo-sect operating in the Val di Susa region. Malatesta, who referred to himself as ‘the chosen one’ and a ‘Maestro,’ allegedly used yoga, meditation, and martial arts courses to target and psychologically manipulate vulnerable individuals, primarily women.
Investigators from the Torino Investigative Nucleus and the Turin Prosecutor's Office report that Malatesta managed a residential community, potentially through the Fiore della Pace Foundation, where followers were forced to take vows of poverty and obedience and surrender their assets. The group reportedly lived in residential villas and wore orange robes.
Malatesta faces multiple charges, including reduction to slavery, sexual abuse (including against minors), domestic maltreatment, and aggravated fraud. The investigation also documented instances of forced labor involving shifts of up to 13 hours and paid ‘sexual therapies.’ Three collaborators are also under investigation for their roles in managing the community.
A two-year investigation by the Carabinieri suggests Malatesta subjected followers, including children as young as 11, to physical and psychological violence, sexual abuse, and slavery-like conditions. Victims were reportedly forced to shave their heads, wear specific clothing, and live in a state of total dependence, performing tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and agricultural work.
The case highlights a broader trend in Italy, where experts estimate approximately 13 million people are involved in various coercive groups, including religious, magical, or pseudotherapeutic sects. There are an estimated 530 such groups active nationwide.
Entities
Carabinieri · Bruno Antonio Malatesta · Bassa Val di Susa · Cesap · Almese
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation into a spiritual sect in Val di Susa began in March 2024.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bruno Antonio Malatesta, 59, allegedly led a sect operating under the Fiore della Pace Foundation.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Malatesta allegedly used yoga, meditation, and martial arts classes as a front to recruit vulnerable individuals.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The leader allegedly forced female followers to take vows of poverty and obedience, surrendering their assets to him.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation documented sexual abuse of victims, including minors.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Members of the community were allegedly forced to work shifts of 12 to 13 hours.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Two female collaborators and one male collaborator are under investigation.
Timeline
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[CRIME] 2 sourcesItaly arrests cult leader for alleged abuse and slavery
Italian authorities arrested Bruno Antonio Malatesta for allegedly running a cult in Bassa Val di Susa, involving sexual abuse, physical violence, and the exploitation of vulnerable followers.
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[CRIME] 4 sourcesBruno Antonio Malatesta arrested for leading spiritual sect in Val di Susa
Bruno Antonio Malatesta has been arrested in Italy for allegedly leading a spiritual sect in Val di Susa that used psychological manipulation, sexual abuse, and forced labor to exploit vulnerable followers.
Sources
LaStampa.it · metro.co.uk · radiobrunotoscana.it · today.it · unionesarda.it
This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history