The founder of a controversial platform implicated in a notorious rape case has been indicted on multiple charges, highlighting troubling patterns of online predation in France.
Founder of Infamous Website Indicted in Landmark Rape Case
Founder of Infamous Website Indicted in Landmark Rape Case
Indictment follows the shutdown of 'coco.fr', linked to over 23,000 sexual abuse cases.
The founder of the shocking website coco.fr, used by Dominique Pelicot to organize the horrific rape of his wife Gisèle, faced serious legal repercussions after a French court indicted him on several offenses. Isaac Steidl, 44, now has the potential to serve a decade in prison following charges of enabling organized gang crime and complicity in drug trafficking, among others. After his release on bail, he must abide by strict measures, including a travel ban from exiting France while he fights the allegations.
The now-defunct site, which allowed predators to interact for a nominal fee, became infamous during the trial of Pelicot and his 51 accomplices, who were all found guilty of sexual assault against Gisèle after she had been drugged. Testimonies revealed that the platform lacked moderation, allowing predators to conspire in private chat rooms to access Gisèle in their quest for abuse.
These serious allegations come amid revelations that coco.fr was linked to more than 23,000 cases of sexual crime between 2021 and 2024, with 480 alleged victims. Investigations led to multiple freezes of international bank accounts and the seizure of 5 million euros across various European nations. As legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the urgent need for accountability in the digital landscape, as predators find new ways to exploit vulnerable individuals online.
As public outrage grows, the French legal system faces mounting pressure to address the implications of online platforms that facilitate such heinous acts.
The now-defunct site, which allowed predators to interact for a nominal fee, became infamous during the trial of Pelicot and his 51 accomplices, who were all found guilty of sexual assault against Gisèle after she had been drugged. Testimonies revealed that the platform lacked moderation, allowing predators to conspire in private chat rooms to access Gisèle in their quest for abuse.
These serious allegations come amid revelations that coco.fr was linked to more than 23,000 cases of sexual crime between 2021 and 2024, with 480 alleged victims. Investigations led to multiple freezes of international bank accounts and the seizure of 5 million euros across various European nations. As legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the urgent need for accountability in the digital landscape, as predators find new ways to exploit vulnerable individuals online.
As public outrage grows, the French legal system faces mounting pressure to address the implications of online platforms that facilitate such heinous acts.
