A music teacher by training, Lada-Rus first gained attention in the 1990s after opening an occult healing center in Samara. Her unconventional methods and spiritual practices attracted a following, though they also drew scrutiny from local authorities. The recent conviction marks a significant legal action against her, underscoring the authorities’ stance on cult activities and the regulation of spiritual practices. The court’s decision to impose an eight-year sentence signals a strong legal response to what authorities consider illegal activities under the region’s legal framework.