The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) announced that it had uncovered a “truly international” network of organized sexual assaults and rapes involving the use of drugs or sedatives. According to British authorities, the perpetrators allegedly used online forums to exchange instructions, discuss methods for drugging victims, organize attacks and, in some cases, request that they be filmed.
The NCA investigation began in October 2025, prompted by a specific online forum. So far, more than 270 people linked to this network or to subsequent online groups have been identified. The agency has sent more than 210 intelligence packages concerning suspects and potential victims to police authorities in the United Kingdom and abroad, with more than 90% of them relating to cases outside Britain.
Europol, in a separate operation across seven countries, identified 156 victims and perpetrators in a case involving drug-facilitated rapes.
Authorities point out that in several cases the suspects were not strangers to the victims, but people with whom there was a relationship of trust, such as partners or spouses. A characteristic example cited is the case of Gisèle Pelicot in France, where her former husband was convicted of systematically drugging and abusing her.
The NCA says such cases are likely to remain largely hidden, as some victims may have no clear memory or awareness of the assault. For this reason, it stresses that someone does not need to have evidence or a clear recollection in order to seek help.
Source: Guardian
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