In a disturbing turn, authorities have detained 22-year-old Konstantin Rudnev in Argentina. He is currently under investigation on charges that he organized an international cult known as Ashram Shambala. Rudnev, said to be expecting a child himself, has generated headlines with his status as the baby boom’s first delegation leader. Folks are concerned about the wellbeing of those in his circle. Accompanied by other women who showed clear signs of malnutrition, Rudnev showed signs of severe nervousness and malnourishment at the time of his arrest.
This story unfolded last week when police arrested Rudnev, along with one other man (a client) and various women—profoundly affecting their lives. According to testimony from the scene, his friends kept him from talking to police. Which begs the question — what are the inner workings of this purported cult? Prosecutors in Argentina allege that these people form part of a transnational criminal enterprise. Yet this very group is directly connected to sex trafficking and slavery.
“Being part of a criminal organization that, for the purposes of sex trafficking and slavery, recruited a 22-year-old woman brought from Russia,” stated an unnamed prosecutor, highlighting the gravity of the situation surrounding Rudnev and his followers.
This isn’t the first time Rudnev’s questionable convictions and behavior have made headlines. His spiritual writings won him acclaim, especially his first book, “The Way of the Fool.” In it, he ridicules the notion of family creation and urges unconditional obedience to his whims. It’s this dangerous ideology that has fostered the neglect that his followers now endure.
In 2013, Rudnev was sentenced to 11 years in prison in Russia. His offenses included 3 counts of violent sexual behavior, 2 counts of rape and related offenses. Even with this historical baggage, he was able to attract a devoted cult of personality within Argentina. His flunkies have all flatly denied ever snitching on the bossman ourselves making the tricky legal circus for these rightfully fought case that much muddy.
What we are learning through the recent arrest are details so shocking that they suggest a criminal mastermind. Police confiscated more than a thousand cocaine pills, a satellite phone, and other contraband from Rudnev’s acolytes. These conclusions have caused to sound the alarm over the potential threats posed by those connected to Ashram Shambala.
Rudnev is not afraid to announce himself as an “extraterrestrial from Sirius.” This remarkable claim has attracted thousands of people from all walks of life who seek a greater purpose and direction. His self-proclaimed identity gives him the tools to do just that to incite his followers. Most of them wear the physical scars of malnutrition and mental anguish.
The probe is still active. We remain concerned about Rudnev’s continued influence and the safety of those still involved in his cult. Meanwhile, his supporters continue to live in hodgepodge, unsafe conditions that should alarm us all. Yet in reality, they seem to be severed from critical external assistance and knowledge.
