Reopened “Coco” Platform Prompts French Criminal Investigation

On 29 April 2026 French prosecutors announced an investigation into the reappearance of a French-language website previously known as “Coco.” The site, registered abroad and shut down in June 2024, resurfaced under a new name and was accessible the same day. Authorities say the platform was used by Dominique Pelicot to recruit strangers who later raped his heavily sedated wife, Gisèle, between 2011 and 2020.

The Guardian

Originally launched abroad, the French-language “Coco” platform was linked to child sexual abuse, rape and murder. Its founder, Isaac Steidl, was charged in January 2025 with drug-trafficking-related offenses, possession of child pornography, internet-based corruption of a minor and criminal conspiracy. Between 2011 and 2020, Dominique Pelicot used the site’s chatroom “A son insu” to recruit dozens of strangers who later raped his heavily sedated wife, Gisèle; he received a 20-year sentence in 2024. The platform was shut down in June 2024, but resurfaced under a new name in April 2026. Mid-April, children’s commissioner Sarah el Hairy warned of its return; on 29 April the Paris public prosecutor opened an investigation.

The Guardian

The case shows how online platforms can facilitate organized sexual violence. Advocacy groups say the revival may indicate a wider network of similar sites, prompting calls for stronger oversight.

The Guardian

The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation into the site’s reopening. Sarah el Hairy called the revival “a real slap in the face to the promise of protection we’ve made” and pledged to “track them down, … hound them, … give them no respite.” Steidl’s lawyer Julien Zanatta said his client “has nothing to do” with the platform.

The Guardian

The Women’s Foundation and M’endors pas warned that “these are not isolated episodes but organised crimes by fully fledged communities that encourage and structure such violence.”

The Guardian

While prosecutors have advanced the original investigation, no evidence publicly links Steidl to the new site, contrary to his lawyer’s denial. Authorities have not disclosed the number of active users or the identities of other potential operators, leaving significant gaps in the factual record.

The Guardian

• “The Paris public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the website’s reopening,” — Paris prosecutor, AFP

The Guardian

• “The reopening of the Coco site is a real slap in the face to the promise of protection we’ve made,” — Sarah el Hairy, children commissioner

The Guardian

• “His lawyer Julien Zanatta said Steidl has “nothing to do” with the new website.” — Julien Zanatta, Steidl’s lawyer

The Guardian

• “These are not isolated episodes but organised crimes by fully fledged communities that encourage and structure such violence,” — Women’s Foundation & M’endors pas

The Guardian

The investigation remains active, with prosecutors expected to identify the revived platform’s operators. Women’s rights groups call for legislative reforms to improve monitoring of online spaces that enable sexual violence. Court hearings for Steidl are slated for later in 2026.

The Guardian