CNN has reported on a disturbing global online network, referred to as a 'rape academy,' where men share detailed techniques for drugging and sexually assaulting their sleeping partners. The investigation, published in April 2026, highlights how the case of Gisèle Pelicot—a French woman drugged and raped by her husband and dozens of other men over a decade—has inspired similar criminal behavior worldwide.
The network operates on encrypted platforms, with members exchanging advice on sedatives, methods to avoid detection, and strategies to incapacitate victims. CNN's investigation identified participants from multiple countries, including France, the United States, and Australia, indicating a transnational scope. Law enforcement agencies have been alerted, but the anonymity of the platforms poses significant challenges for prosecution.
Experts cited in the report emphasize that such networks exploit legal loopholes and the stigma surrounding sexual violence, particularly against partners. The Pelicot case, which concluded in December 2024 with the conviction of her ex-husband and 50 other men, has sparked global conversations about consent and the use of drugs in sexual assaults. However, this new network suggests that the problem extends far beyond individual cases.
Authorities are urging victims and witnesses to report suspicious activities, while tech companies face pressure to monitor and dismantle such groups. The report underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to combat these hidden crimes.
