At least eight people have been arrested in the UK after investigators uncovered online networks that encouraged men to drug and rape women, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Investigators identified around 270 people linked to online forums where users allegedly shared videos and images of organised sexual abuse. Authorities said the offences resemble the high-profile case involving French survivor Gisèle Pelicot, whose former husband repeatedly drugged her before dozens of men sexually assaulted her.
NCA Warns Organised Sexual Abuse Is Increasing
The NCA said offenders often commit these crimes against their long-term partners, with the abuse continuing for years or even decades.
Investigators See Growing Online Networks
Deputy Director Nigel Leary said drug-facilitated sexual assault is no longer an isolated crime. He warned that investigators are finding more organised online communities where offenders encourage one another and share abusive material.
NCA Identifies Hundreds of Suspects
Since October 2025, the NCA has identified 270 individuals linked to one online forum and several related websites.
Multiple Investigations Are Underway
The agency has launched 14 investigations, identified eight victims, and provided them with support.
Officials have also shared evidence with law enforcement agencies in several countries.
Authorities created a coordinated response involving prosecutors, police, and safeguarding organisations to identify offenders and protect victims. read more
International Investigation Expands
Law enforcement representatives from Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States met in London to exchange intelligence on suspected offenders, victims, and online communities.
Authorities Discover More Victims and Online Groups
The international operation helped investigators identify more than 150 additional offenders and victims.
Authorities also discovered four previously unknown online communities linked to the abuse.
Prosecutors Call the Crimes Horrifying
Siobhan Blake, the Crown Prosecution Service’s national lead for rape and serious sexual offences, described the abuse as one of the most disturbing forms of criminal behaviour she has encountered.
Victims Often Suffer Abuse at Home
Blake said many offenders abuse victims inside their own homes, often taking advantage of trusted relationships.
She added that offenders hide these crimes through secret online communities and private settings, making it essential for the criminal justice system to identify offenders and secure justice for victims.
Police Encourage Victims to Report Concerns
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, who leads the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, said many victims do not immediately realise they experienced drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Support Is Available
She encouraged anyone who believes something is wrong to seek help, even if they cannot fully remember what happened or do not have clear evidence.
Millichap said police and specialist support services will listen carefully, take every report seriously, and provide appropriate support.
Investigation Echoes the Gisèle Pelicot Case
Authorities compared the investigation with the case of Gisèle Pelicot. know more
Case Raised International Awareness
Dominique Pelicot repeatedly drugged his wife and invited dozens of men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious.
Earlier this year, Gisèle Pelicot told BBC Newsnight she felt “crushed by horror” after learning about the abuse.
The 73-year-old waived her right to anonymity to raise awareness of sexual violence and support other survivors.
Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year prison sentence for his crimes.
