156 victims, culprits identified in global sexual assaults operation

A first-of-its-kind global operation targeting drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA) has discovered scores of victims and perpetrators, Europol announced on Thursday.

Seven nations, led by German and UK authorities, participated in the mission, which focused on DFSA primarily in intimate-partner settings, particularly in the context of misogynist online communities.

In late June, investigators gathered at the National Crime Agency headquarters in London, where they identified culprits, victims, misogynist groups, and new leads as part of Project Medusa.

The operation led to 156 perpetrators and victims, 274 new investigative leads, and four new misogynist online channels. Detectives uncovered webs where offenders objectify and dehumanize victims.

The networks use encrypted messaging services, forums, and closed chat groups to exchange experiences, normalize abusive behavior, facilitate illegal trade of illicit drugs, and coordinate criminal acts.

Project Medusa is a collaborative effort aimed at disrupting and dismantling internet-based groups that facilitate DFSA, while strengthening cross-border strategies for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

Since its launch in April 2026, partner countries have probed relevant cases that have resulted in 57 arrests and 158 safeguarded victims. A total of 113 investigations have also been started.

The international project involves law enforcement from Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, and Europol.

They include Police Nationale (France), BKA and LKA Hamburg (Germany), Politie (Netherlands), Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil (Spain), Polícia Federal (Brazil), the NCA (UK), and the FBI (US).

156 victims, culprits identified in global sexual assaults operation