France Indicts Founder of Controversial Website Linked to Rape Case

The indictment brings renewed attention to the disturbing patterns of online facilitation of sexual crimes and the urgent need for regulatory action.

The founder of the notorious website coco.fr, linked to the central figure in a shocking rape trial, has been indicted in France amid rising concerns about the facilitation of sexual violence online. Isaac Steidl, 44, was indicted on multiple charges, including those associated with the Pelicot case, where his platform allowed numerous predators to coordinate sexual assaults. Should he be convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years along with hefty fines of up to 7.5 million euros, approximately $7.7 million.

Following his indictment, Steidl was released from jail under judicial supervision with a bail set at 100,000 euros, which includes restrictions preventing him from leaving the country. Since its establishment in 2003, coco.fr had been a central figure in numerous criminal investigations. Evidence presented during the recent trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men indicated that the website had fostered an environment for individuals to engage in and organize rapes, preying on Pelicot's ex-wife, Gisèle, while she was incapacitated by drugs.

Among the charges levied against Steidl, legal authorities cited his role in enabling illicit transactions via an organized network platform. Other charges include complicity in drug trafficking, child pornography distribution, aggravated pimping, and money laundering. Steidl's legal representative, Julien Zanatta, stated that his client "firmly denies the accusations" and has committed to cooperating with investigators to clear his name.

The trial revealed disturbing testimonies from men involved, detailing how the platform operated as a breeding ground for predators. Users could pay a minimal monthly fee to engage in discussions within unmoderated private chat rooms, including one ominously titled "without her knowledge." After initial interactions, many users moved to private correspondence, using platforms like Skype to make arrangements to assault Gisèle in her own home.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau reported that coco.fr was connected to over 23,000 various cases across France from 2021 to 2024, encompassing allegations ranging from child abuse and prostitution to homicide. Police investigations into the website prompted an extensive, multinational crackdown across Europe, resulting in the seizure of 5 million euros from bank accounts associated with the site, as well as multiple assets in Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Steidl's connections with the site drew scrutiny from French authorities well before its eventual shutdown in June 2024, following an 18-month investigation. The implications from the case underscore a critical and growing demand for accountability within unregulated online spaces, marking a significant moment in the fight against sexual violence facilitated via the internet.