A 79-year-old man is currently under investigation by French authorities for allegedly sexually abusing 89 minors over a span of nearly six decades. The crimes reportedly occurred while the man served as a youth caretaker, with incidents recorded in several countries, including Germany and Switzerland. The prosecutors in Grenoble have confirmed that the victims were boys aged between 13 and 17, highlighting the disturbing nature and extent of these allegations.

The investigation began when the man was arrested in France in 2024 during a family visit after his nephew discovered a USB stick containing recordings and photographs of the abused youths. This alarming find prompted immediate action from French law enforcement, and investigations have so far allowed the identification of approximately 40 victims listed on the USB stick. The authorities are concerned that there may be further victims who have not yet been identified, underscoring the need for a thorough inquiry into the case and the circumstances surrounding it.

As the case unfolds, it raises significant questions regarding the protection of vulnerable minors in care settings, and the potential lapses in oversight that might have allowed such abuses to occur over such a lengthy period. Additionally, the international nature of the allegations, covering multiple countries where the caretaker had worked, complicates the legal proceedings and may lead to broader implications for child welfare systems across borders. The attention this case receives could further incentivize reforms aimed at safeguarding children and addressing systemic failures in youth care.