In Grenoble, France, Attorney Étienne Manto revealed one of the most intricate and far-reaching pedophilia cases involving Jacques Lovooghal, a 79-year-old former teacher. Since February 2024, Lovooghal has been in custody for a criminal trajectory that has allegedly affected at least 89 minors across five continents over more than half a century. The case stands out due to its international scope and the alarming number of victims reported over such an extensive time.

Prosecutor Manto has issued a call for witnesses to encourage other potential victims to come forward before the statute of limitations expires. Notably, Lovooghal's apprehension did not stem from a direct report by a victim but from an obsession with writing, which led to the discovery of detailed journals and photographs stored on USB drives by his nephew in 2022. In these documents, Lovooghal not only acknowledged his crimes but also articulated his twisted ideology, self-identifying as a "boy-lover" and comparing his relationships with boys aged 13 to 17 to ancient Greek traditions.

The case raises critical concerns regarding the exploitation of educational environments and the strategies used by perpetrators to maintain secrecy over decades. It highlights the urgent need for awareness and protective measures in education systems worldwide to prevent such predatory behavior. As the investigation unfolds, it could potentially uncover more victims and lead to broader discussions on child safety and legal reforms in handling cases of such magnitude.