Law-enforcement agencies from nine countries carried out a joint operation, “Medusa,” and identified dozens of suspects in sexualized violence against intimate partners, Deutsche Welle reports. Almost all of the identified victims are women.
According to the investigation, men belonging to several online networks drugged women, raped them, and posted photos and videos online. In most cases, the victims were their girlfriends and wives.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 57 people. The investigation began in April 2026 and involved seven countries. Law-enforcement officers identified 158 victims in total. They are now safe.
The operation was conducted by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), Britain’s National Crime Agency, and Europol. Law-enforcement agencies from Brazil, Hungary, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States, and France also took part.
The BKA said many victims did not know that violence had been committed against them. Because of the effects of sedatives and painkillers, they were unable to remember what had happened or feel the physical consequences of the rape.
In late 2024, a French court sentenced 72-year-old Dominique Pelicot to 20 years in prison. According to case materials, between 2011 and 2020 he secretly gave his wife, Gisèle, tranquilizers and raped her. Pelicot also invited strangers who raped her while she was unconscious.
Investigators established about 200 rape episodes. Another 50 men were also convicted in the case.