Law enforcement agencies from nine countries have detained 57 suspects as part of the large-scale international operation "Medusa" (Project Medusa), targeting sexual violence crimes against women using drugs.
According to Deutsche Welle, citing Europol's press service, the investigation uncovered online networks where criminals objectified and dehumanized their victims. They used encrypted messengers, forums, and private chats to exchange experiences, normalize illegal behavior, promote illicit trafficking of prescription drugs and narcotics, and coordinate criminal acts.
The "Medusa" operation has been conducted since April 2026 under the leadership of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the UK's National Crime Agency, with coordination by Europol. Law enforcement agencies from Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, and the USA also participated.
According to Europol, nearly all victims are women. Investigations revealed several online networks of men who primarily drugged their wives or girlfriends to unconsciousness, raped them, and then shared photos and videos of the acts online.
Since the operation began, a total of 113 criminal cases have been opened. 156 suspects and victims have been identified, and four private online communities used by criminals to coordinate their activities have been discovered.
The investigation was spurred by the high-profile Gisèle Pelicot case in France. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was found guilty of secretly drugging her for years, rendering her unconscious, and inviting others to rape her. In December 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.
