International Drug and Sexual Assault Network Exposed in the UK

The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) has uncovered an international crime network where victims were drugged and sexually assaulted, with crimes organized through online platforms. The NCA's investigation has identified over 270 suspects, with individuals found to be operating in numerous countries around the world. The agency noted that in many cases, perpetrators exploited long-term relationships of trust with their victims to commit crimes. The case of Gisele Pelicot in France is cited as a notable example of this method. Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife, as well as allowing dozens of other men to do the same while she was unconscious. The NCA identified over 270 individuals linked to online forums and connected platforms during its investigation, which began in October 2025. Nigel Leary, the agency's Deputy Director of Operations, stated that over 210 intelligence packages have been shared with law enforcement agencies in the UK and other countries, with more than 90% of these being shared with foreign law enforcement. Leary noted that group members have been identified in dozens of countries across all continents, and that information shared in the UK has led to at least 14 separate investigations being launched and eight victims being protected. Europol announced that a separate operation with law enforcement agencies from seven countries has identified 156 victims and perpetrators linked to drug-facilitated sexual assaults.