'Tantra Yoga' centres in Moscow operating as sex parlours

MOSCOW: Scores of clubs and schools in Moscow preaching the ancient Indian practice of 'Tantra Yoga' have virtually turned into sex parlours, a Russian magazine has claimed.

"Located in central Moscow, Tantric club is always packed. Some patrons are drinking cognac in the bar, while newcomers are staring around wildly. They came to see something esoteric but ended up in a steam room with a swimming pool... bath slippers are available for 50 roubles (USD 1.8) and contraceptives are on the house," says Moskovskie Novosti weekly in its latest issue.

"All sorts of agencies regularly inspect our club -police, tax inspectors, sanitation and epidemiological officers, the vice squad," said a woman who runs the centre.

"Everything is quiet since all of them sooner or later succumb to my charms. So we are friends with all of these inspectors and auditors."

Asked about officials' reaction to alleged group sex in her club, the woman said: "Stripped of its Tantric component, our club is basically a swing club. Now, swing clubs are absolutely legal throughout Europe, and in Russia. There are five in Moscow alone."