London: Police have arrested 57 suspects in an international operation to stop drug-facilitated sexual assault amid a landmark decision in a British court to name a dozen men who allegedly conspired to drug and abuse a woman in her home.
The global investigation, led by British and German police, has helped to protect 158 alleged victims and appears set to uncover more cases after identifying members of online forums and closed chat groups.
The operation involves nine countries and follows the conviction of 50 men in a French court two years ago for the aggravated rape, attempted rape or sexual assault of Gisèle Pelicot, in a case that made global headlines.
Europol, the European Union agency that helps to co-ordinate national authorities, revealed the work with agencies from Britain, France, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, Canada and the US.
“Investigations have uncovered online networks where perpetrators objectify and dehumanise victims,” Europol said on Thursday (early on Friday, AEST).
“They use encrypted messaging services, forums and closed chat groups to exchange experiences, normalise abusive behaviour [and] facilitate the illegal trade in prescription medications and narcotics.
“These communications reveal detailed planning, reinforcing harmful actions, and sharing of material. They show that these crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of organised and interconnected behaviour.”
The agencies did not name the suspects, but Europol said the operation had led to the arrest of 57 individuals and the exposure of four groups of conspirators. It said this led to 158 alleged victims being “safeguarded” from further harm.
Europol said the assaults being investigated often unfolded over long periods, sometimes years, and were typically perpetrated by men exploiting a position of trust, such as family members.
The victims in these situations were almost exclusively women and were sedated by close partners using various substances.
Project Medusa has led to 113 investigations being started and 274 new leads, Europol said.
The rape and abuse of Pelicot led to a global debate on sexual abuse after her husband Dominique was charged, and later convicted, of repeatedly drugging her between 2011 and 2020. He and dozens of other men raped her while she was unconscious.
The case led to the conviction of 50 men, including Dominique Pelicot, who is serving 22 years in prison.
In Germany in April, a Chinese student named in court as Zhongyi J was found guilty of rape and attempted murder after drugging and abusing his neighbour during 2024.
In March last year, a Chinese student in London was convicted of drugging and raping 10 women after gaining their trust on dating apps.
In a separate case that has galvanised debate in Britain, a court in Manchester ruled last week that more than a dozen men could be named by the media after being charged with rape or assault of a woman in Stockport, near Manchester.
Prosecutors allege that a man in his 60s conspired with others to drug his wife and rape her while she was unconscious. He cannot be named to protect the anonymity of his wife.
The man has admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
He has denied other charges, including conspiracy to rape and administering a substance with intent, and is due to face trial in September along with a dozen other men.
One man, Keith Fotheringham, 59, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to administer a substance with intent and assault. The other 12 men have denied the charges against them.
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David Crowe is Europe correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via X or email.
