Isaac Steidl, the founder of the adult website Coco.fr, has been charged by French authorities after the site was linked to numerous sexual offenses, including a mass rape case involving a French man who recruited dozens of strangers to rape his heavily sedated wife.
Charges and Legal Action
Steidl, who is Italian, faces serious charges, including:
- Administering an online platform for illegal transactions by an organized gang.
- Complicity in drug trafficking.
- Possession and distribution of child pornography.
- Corruption of minors via the internet.
- Aggravated money laundering.
French authorities shut down the Coco.fr platform after it was found to be facilitating sexual crimes such as pedophilia and rape, as well as murder. The website, which allowed users to remain anonymous, was criticized as a “den of predators” and had been linked to over 23,000 criminal acts.
Connection to High-Profile Case
The website was notably used by Dominique Pelicot, who orchestrated the rape of his wife, Gisele Pelicot, over a period of several years. He recruited dozens of men through the site’s chatroom, where he spoke to attackers without the knowledge of his wife. Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and his co-accused were handed sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years.
Impact on Society and Legal Reforms
The trial has shocked France and the world, shedding light on male violence and the dangers of anonymous online platforms. Gisele Pelicot, who waived her anonymity, became a feminist icon for her courage in going public with her experience. She stated, “I want victims of rape to feel empowered. It’s not for us to feel shame — it’s for the attackers.”
The case has sparked renewed discussions about violence against women and the need for societal change. In France, only 14% of rape accusations result in formal investigations, according to a report by the Institute of Public Policies.