European authorities on Thursday said cases such as that of Gisele Pelicot (C) are not rare, with an international operation disrupting four online networks of men sharing videos, photos and information about during and sexually assaulting women, often their own partners. File Photo by Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA
July 3 (UPI) -- Authorities have uncovered international networks of men accused of drugging and sexually assaulting women, most often their own partners, then sharing videos and photos of the crimes with one another online.
Announced Thursday, the coordinated law enforcement efforts disrupted four online communities that authorities said played a significant role in enabling and normalizing what Europol called "drug-facilitated sexual assaults."
According to authorities, the international investigation targeted drug-facilitated sexual assaults in intimate partner relationships.
The victims, almost exclusively women, are sedated with drugs or alcohol before they are sexually assaulted, sometimes by multiple offenders, without their knowledge.
