Isaac Steidl, the founder of coco.fr, has been indicted in France on multiple charges, including complicity in a heinous rape case that shocked the nation.
Founder of Controversial Website Charged in High-Profile French Rape Case
Founder of Controversial Website Charged in High-Profile French Rape Case
The man behind the notorious coco.fr faces serious charges related to a shocking rape trial that unveiled a global issue of online exploitation.
The founder of a controversial website that played a significant role in a high-profile rape case in France, has been indicted on a multitude of serious charges. Isaac Steidl, 44, was charged on Thursday in connection with the shocking trial that saw his former associate, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 others convicted for raping Pelicot’s ex-wife, Gisèle, while she was heavily sedated. If convicted, Steidl faces up to a decade in prison and a fine potentially reaching 7.5 million euros (approximately $7.7 million).
Steidl was released from custody under stringent judicial conditions, which included a 100,000-euro bail and a prohibition on leaving France. The website, coco.fr, founded by Steidl in 2003, garnered infamy during the Pelicot trial, as it enabled potential predators to connect and coordinate activities surrounding the sexual assault.
The website was used as a platform where users could engage under duress to gain access to victims without consent, including Pelicot’s ex-wife. Some defendants testified that the online community provided a breeding ground for those interested in participating in illegal acts, allowing private conversations about their intentions. Notably, the website lacked moderation or record-keeping, which exacerbated its role in facilitating these heinous crimes.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau reported that the site's activities had resulted in over 23,000 criminal cases across France between 2021 and 2024, involving 480 alleged victims. The allegations ranged from sexual abuse to drug trafficking, with many complex and intertwined cases involving extensive criminal networks.
After an extensive 18-month investigation that crossed multiple European nations, French authorities shut down coco.fr in June. Law enforcement agencies seized approximately 5 million euros and froze bank accounts in Hungary, Germany, Lithuania, and the Netherlands associated with the operation. The French judicial team also conducted searches at Steidl’s residence in Bulgaria as part of their investigation.
Regarding the serious allegations, Steidl has firmly denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Julien Zanatta, emphasized that Steidl is fully committed to cooperating with authorities to clear his name.
This case not only raises profound concerns about online exploitation and cybercriminals preying on victims but also points to a pressing need for stricter regulations on digital platforms. As the investigation continues, the French public remains watchful over the developments stemming from this notorious case, which has opened a dialogue on issues surrounding consent and accountability in the digital age.
Steidl was released from custody under stringent judicial conditions, which included a 100,000-euro bail and a prohibition on leaving France. The website, coco.fr, founded by Steidl in 2003, garnered infamy during the Pelicot trial, as it enabled potential predators to connect and coordinate activities surrounding the sexual assault.
The website was used as a platform where users could engage under duress to gain access to victims without consent, including Pelicot’s ex-wife. Some defendants testified that the online community provided a breeding ground for those interested in participating in illegal acts, allowing private conversations about their intentions. Notably, the website lacked moderation or record-keeping, which exacerbated its role in facilitating these heinous crimes.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau reported that the site's activities had resulted in over 23,000 criminal cases across France between 2021 and 2024, involving 480 alleged victims. The allegations ranged from sexual abuse to drug trafficking, with many complex and intertwined cases involving extensive criminal networks.
After an extensive 18-month investigation that crossed multiple European nations, French authorities shut down coco.fr in June. Law enforcement agencies seized approximately 5 million euros and froze bank accounts in Hungary, Germany, Lithuania, and the Netherlands associated with the operation. The French judicial team also conducted searches at Steidl’s residence in Bulgaria as part of their investigation.
Regarding the serious allegations, Steidl has firmly denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Julien Zanatta, emphasized that Steidl is fully committed to cooperating with authorities to clear his name.
This case not only raises profound concerns about online exploitation and cybercriminals preying on victims but also points to a pressing need for stricter regulations on digital platforms. As the investigation continues, the French public remains watchful over the developments stemming from this notorious case, which has opened a dialogue on issues surrounding consent and accountability in the digital age.
