A 79-year-old French man is accused of sexually assaulting 89 minors across nine countries from 1967 to 2022, as French authorities search for additional victims.
French authorities have initiated a witness call to identify further victims of Jacques Leveugle, a 79-year-old man who is currently incarcerated. He faces accusations of raping and sexually assaulting a staggering total of 89 minors across various countries between the years 1967 and 2022. The Grenoble prosecutor's office has confirmed that Leveugle’s crimes have reportedly occurred in several regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Among the complexity of the case, approximately 40 victims have already been identified. However, many of the remaining victims are referred to only by names or aliases in Leveugle’s own writings, complicating their identification and location. Prosecutor Étienne Manteaux explained that the appeal aims to allow other potential victims to come forward, emphasizing the importance of gathering more evidence and testimonies. This move reflects a broader commitment from French authorities to tackle sexual violence and support victims.
The extensive scope of the accusations, spanning multiple continents, raises serious concerns about accountability and systemic failures in safeguarding minors from predatory behavior. As investigations proceed, the focus will remain not only on the prosecution of Leveugle but also on improving measures to protect vulnerable populations globally. The ramifications of this case may resonate well beyond France, impacting discussions on international cooperation in handling child protection and sexual abuse cases.
