French-Belgian Child Abuse Network Dismantled; Five Suspects Arrested
Authorities uncovered a criminal network accused of horrific abuses against children, with victims as young as infants, and arrested five suspects linked to the operation.
- The network, operating from France to Belgium, involved severe crimes including child sexual abuse, torture, and human trafficking, all organized and filmed for distribution on the Darknet.
- A professional in early childhood care, based in Loire-Atlantique, is alleged to have led the network, exploiting his position to provide access to victims as young as infants.
- Investigators suspect the use of chemical submission on some victims, with evidence of pre-arranged gatherings where abuse was filmed and shared online.
- Five individuals have been arrested, including one suspect previously convicted in Belgium for homicide and child sexual abuse, now facing extradition to France.
- Four victims under the age of five have been identified so far, with further investigations ongoing to uncover additional victims and potential links to other cases.
Sud Ouest 
Le Journal du Dimanche 
Ouest-France 