French police are currently appealing for witnesses in a significant case concerning a 79-year-old man who has been charged with rape and other sexual offenses against 89 minors. The charges were announced by the public prosecutor's office in Grenoble, highlighting the scope and seriousness of the accusations. The case, which has been ongoing since 2024, became public as authorities seek to draw attention and encourage more potential victims to come forward with information.

The 79-year-old man is accused of committing these crimes over a substantial period, with reported offenses occurring between 1967 and 2022. Authorities have identified 89 victims, children and adolescents aged between 13 and 17, based on materials found on a USB stick that the accused maintained. This revelation highlights the persistent nature of these alleged crimes and the disturbing breadth of the investigation, which spans multiple countries including Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Niger, Algeria, the Philippines, India, Colombia, and New Caledonia, a French overseas territory.

The case first became known when a nephew of the accused discovered the USB stick and reported it to authorities in 2024. Since then, the man has also confessed during the investigation, adding further complexity to the case. The potential involvement of multiple jurisdictions raises questions about legal processes in countries outside of France and the coordination required to address such transnational crimes against children, emphasizing the importance of vigilant reporting and support systems for victims of such heinous acts.