Paris: An Indian national accused of leading an international online child exploitation network went on trial in Paris, with proceedings held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the evidence and concerns for victims and witnesses.
French investigators describe 29 year old suspect as the alleged leader of an online group known as CVLT, which authorities say targeted numerous young girls, many of them minors, across several countries.
Investigators say people associated with the network were based in countries including Germany, New Zealand and the United States and communicated online. Authorities allege the group promoted neo Nazi, racist and antisemitic ideas, as well as hostility towards women, feminists and the LGBT+ community.
The suspect moved to France to study at a business school in Antibes and later worked as a fitness coach. He was arrested in 2021.
He faces charges including alleged acts of torture or barbarity against minors, organised extortion, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face life imprisonment.
The investigation began in November 2020, after the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities to suspected online exploitation involving a child.
Five American women, now aged 18 to 21, joined the French proceedings as civil parties and are expected to give evidence remotely at the trial.
The Paris court ordered that proceedings be held in camera. According to the court, the decision reflected the highly sensitive evidence expected to be examined, as well as allegations that members of the network attempted to intimidate victims, witnesses and US prosecutors.
A lawyer representing the five American women had argued in favour of a public trial, saying greater awareness was needed about the risks teenage girls can face online. Prosecutors, however, supported closed proceedings, partly to protect international cooperation and those involved in the case.
The trial is scheduled to continue until Friday. The allegations against the suspect remain subject to the French court's determination.
