Law enforcement from seven countries, led by German and UK authorities and supported by Europol, have identified 156 victims and perpetrators in an unprecedented operation targeting drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA). The operation focused on DFSA primarily in intimate-partner settings, particularly in the context of misogynist online communities. From 22 to 24 June 2026, 29 investigators gathered at the National Crime Agency (NCA) headquarters in London. There, they collaborated closely to identify perpetrators, victims, misogynist groups, and new investigative leads as part of Project Medusa.

Launched in April 2026, Project Medusa is a collaborative effort aiming to disrupt and dismantle online networks that facilitate DFSA, while strengthening cross-border strategies for investigating and prosecuting these crimes. The project is led by Germany and the United Kingdom, with the participation from Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, and Europol.

Results of the operation

The operation led to the following results:

• 156 perpetrators and victims identified
• 274 new investigative leads
• Four new misogynist online communities identified

Law enforcement authorities from France (Police Nationale), Germany (BKA and LKA Hamburg), Netherlands (Politie), Spain (Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil), Brazil (Polícia Federal), UK (NCA), and the US (FBI) participated in the operation. The investigations are ongoing.

Europol’s role

Europol facilitated the operation by providing financial and analytical support. The agency enabled real-time data crosschecks and offered OSINT support, allowing participating countries to enhance their investigations with the latest operational intelligence. Europol’s operational coordination also ensured continued international cooperation beyond the duration of the activity.

To clarify the phenomenon and identify perpetrators and victims, Europol and its partners work closely and continuously together in Project Medusa.

Project Medusa

Project Medusa is based on the understanding that online communities play a significant role in enabling and normalising DFSA, since such offences are typically shared by perpetrators on internet platforms and in chat groups. Assaults target almost exclusively women and often occur over extended periods, sometimes even years. They are typically perpetrated by individuals exploiting a position of professional authority or a position of trust. 

Participating countries have investigated cases linked to Project Medusa that have resulted in 57 arrests and 158 safeguarded victims. A total of 113 investigations have also been started since its launch.

Investigations have uncovered online networks where perpetrators objectify and dehumanise victims. They use encrypted messaging services, forums, and closed chat groups to exchange experiences, normalise abusive behaviour, facilitate the illegal trade in prescription medications and narcotics, and coordinate criminal acts. These communications reveal detailed planning, reinforcing harmful actions, and sharing of material. They show that these crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of organised and interconnected behaviour.

In addition to the alleged crime of rape or sexual assault, investigations are also conducted for dangerous bodily harm and attempted murder, as both sedating another person and sexualized violence are criminal offences.

Report a crime

If you have any information about a crime that is either being planned or has already been committed, or if you are the victim of a crime, you need to contact your local or national police. The authorities will contact Europol if required.