Europol: 156 victims and perpetrators of sexual assault identified in major operation
An international operation coordinated by Europol identified 156 victims and perpetrators of drug-facilitated sexual assault, primarily committed within intimate relationships and in misogynistic online communities.
Europol: 156 victims and perpetrators of sexual assault identified in major operation
A major international operation has identified 156 victims and perpetrators of drug-facilitated sexual assault. This investigation, conducted as part of the Medusa project launched in April by Europol, targets online networks that facilitate these crimes, particularly within misogynistic internet communities.
The offences in question primarily concern assaults perpetrated in the context of intimate relationships. Investigators from several countries collaborated closely, which resulted in 274 new investigative leads. Furthermore, four virtual communities promoting hatred towards women were identified during this operation.
The Medusa project aims to dismantle the digital infrastructures that make drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) possible, while strengthening judicial and police cooperation between member states. Since its launch, investigations conducted as part of this initiative have resulted in 57 arrests and the safeguarding of 158 people. In total, 113 cases were opened.
Drug-facilitated sexual assault represents a particularly insidious form of violence, in which perpetrators use substances to incapacitate their victims. The online dimension of these crimes complicates their investigation, making international coordination all the more essential.
Source: RTBF
Source: RTBF Info