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National Agencies Launch Coordinated Response to Tackle Organised Drug-Facilitated Sexual Abuse
A new nationwide initiative has been launched to combat organised drug-facilitated sexual assault and abuse networks
A new nationwide initiative has been launched to combat organised drug-facilitated sexual assault and abuse networks, following growing evidence that perpetrators are using online platforms to coordinate offences and share abusive material.
The National Crime Agency (NCA), police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), health services and specialist support organisations are working together to identify offenders, safeguard victims and improve investigations into what authorities describe as an increasingly organised and hidden form of abuse.
The announcement comes as investigations reveal networks of offenders connected both online and offline who are targeting victims, often within long-term intimate partner relationships.
Abuse Hidden Behind Trust
Organised drug-facilitated sexual assault (ODFSA) involves deliberately removing a person’s capacity to consent through the use of drugs or alcohol before committing sexual offences. In some cases, multiple connected offenders are involved, and images or videos of the abuse are shared online.
Authorities say many victims are targeted by someone they know and trust, with offending sometimes continuing for years or even decades before it is discovered.
Victims and survivors can be of any age, background or ability. Many may have no awareness that they have been abused, making detection and reporting particularly challenging.
The issue gained international attention following the widely publicised case of Gisèle Pelicot in France, which exposed the devastating impact of drug-facilitated sexual abuse carried out over an extended period.
Although the latest investigations focus largely on violence against women and girls, it is important to recognise that men and boys can also be victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault. The offences committed by convicted serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga highlighted the devastating impact this form of abuse has on male survivors. Anyone who feels something may have happened to them, even if they have limited or no memory of the event, deserves to be listened to and supported.
Growing Evidence of Organised Networks
Since October 2025, NCA investigators have identified more than 270 individuals linked to a specific online forum and related successor groups.
More than 210 intelligence packages concerning suspects, perpetrators and potential victims have been shared with law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas, leading to at least 14 separate investigations.
Last week, the NCA also hosted investigators from Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States and Europol at its headquarters in London as part of Project Medusa, an international initiative launched in April 2026.
The collaboration resulted in:
- More than 150 offenders and victims being identified
- Over 270 new international investigations being launched
- Four previously unknown online communities being uncovered
Authorities believe the true scale of offending is likely to be significantly greater, as many cases remain hidden and underreported.
A Whole System Approach
The new coordinated approach brings together criminal justice agencies, healthcare providers, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and specialist support organisations.
The aim is to improve intelligence sharing, identify patterns of offending earlier and ensure investigations and prosecutions are aligned from the outset.
The work builds on reforms already taking place through Operation Soteria, which focuses on improving the investigation and prosecution of rape and serious sexual offences, as well as wider efforts to better identify domestic abuse and coercive control.
Rather than placing responsibility on victims to provide a complete account of what happened, investigators are increasingly focusing on offender behaviour, digital evidence, patterns of abuse and connections between suspects to build stronger cases.
Supporting Victims and Survivors
Nigel Leary, Deputy Director at the NCA, describes the offending as “deeply traumatic” and emphasises that supporting victims remains the agency’s priority. He said:
“This type of sexual offending is deeply traumatic, and our focus has been and continues to be on the victims and those impacted, ensuring they are identified and offered the help and support they need,”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, Director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, highlighted that many victims may not immediately realise they have been abused. She said:
“In many cases, victims may not realise what has happened to them at the time. If something doesn’t feel right, you do not need proof or a clear memory to seek help.”
She encourages people to contact police or support services if they have concerns, and stresses that victims will be listened to and taken seriously.
Encouraging Victims to Seek Help
Siobhan Blake, the CPS National Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, describes the abuse as among the most disturbing cases she has encountered.
“The abuse we’re discussing is some of the most horrifying I have seen in my career,” she said. “Victims are being subject to horrendous sexual offending in their own homes in an ultimate breach of trust.”
She added that coordinated action across policing and prosecution agencies aims to ensure victims and survivors have confidence that these offences are being actively investigated and prosecuted.
Safeline Support
If you are concerned about something that has happened to you, or if you suspect you may have experienced drug-facilitated sexual abuse, support is available.
You do not need proof of what happened to seek help.
Safeline provides confidential support services for survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Our experienced team will listen without judgement and help you explore your options in a safe and supportive environment.
Email Safeline today