‘Truly international network’ of men drugging and raping women uncovered
At least eight people have been arrested in Britain after investigators uncovered a “truly international network” of men who drugged and raped women, the National Crime Agency said.
The agency identified 270 individuals associated with forums where coordinated sexual abuse images were shared online; These crimes are reminiscent of the case of Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who was repeatedly drugged by her husband and assaulted by dozens of men.
The NCA said the abuse was usually carried out by a long-term partner and the violation “often occurred over decades”.
Deputy headmaster Nigel Leary warned that drug-facilitated sexual assault was “no longer isolated behaviour” and was “increasingly organised”.
“I think what we’re seeing here is the technologically enabled element and the international coordination that makes this different,” Leary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. he said.
“We are seeing large networks of individuals sharing information online, using technology to exchange content,” he added.
270 individuals identified since October 2025 had links to a specific online forum and related websites.
The NCA said fourteen investigations were launched and eight victims were identified and supported.
The agency said it sent evidence to various law enforcement agencies abroad.
The NCA said investigators from Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain and the US met in London last week to “share information about suspected offenders, victims and online groups”.
This led to the identification of more than 150 offenders and victims, as well as four new online communities.
The NCA said it had launched a coordinated response with prosecutors and other protection bodies to identify and assist victims.
Siobhan Blake, national CPS lead for rape and serious sexual offenses, said: “The abuse we are discussing is some of the most appalling abuse I have seen in my career.
“Victims are subjected to horrific sexual assaults in their own homes, in a gross breach of trust.
“This crime unfolds in secrecy online and behind closed doors. It is the job of the criminal justice system to bring it to light for victims and survivors.”
Deputy assistant commissioner Helen Millichap, director of the National Center on Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, said victims may not realize what has happened to them for some time.
He said: “If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t need evidence or a clear memory to ask for help.
“Police and support services will ensure you are listened to, taken seriously and given the attention you need.”
In an interview with the BBC earlier this year, Pelicot told BBC Newsnight that she was “horrified” when she discovered her husband had repeatedly knocked her unconscious and invited dozens of men to rape her.
The 73-year-old woman waived her right to anonymity to talk about her ordeal and campaign for victims, while her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Details of help and support regarding sexual abuse or violence can be found at: BBC Action Line.
