PARIS, France: A French court has sentenced an Indian man to 20 years in prison for leading a masculinist online group that forced young girls, including minors, into sexual acts and subjected some victims to torture and abuse.
The Paris court found 29-year-old Rohan Rane guilty of offences including organised gang extortion, with aggravating circumstances involving acts of torture and barbarity.
Rane, the 29-year-old Indian national, moved to France to pursue his studies and later worked as a fitness coach. Investigators identified him as a leader of the online group CVLT, which targeted vulnerable girls through blackmail, coercion and sexual exploitation.
Prosecutors had sought a 30-year prison sentence, describing Rane as a leader of a group driven by extremist ideology, violence and hatred. The court proceedings lasted five days, with much of the hearing conducted behind closed doors.
Online group targeted vulnerable victims
According to prosecutors, the group known as “CVLT” became active before the Covid-19 pandemic on the Discord platform, with Rane acting as its leader.
Investigators said members targeted vulnerable girls through online forums and persuaded them to share private images. The victims were then threatened with exposure to family members and friends if they refused demands.
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Most identified victims were American girls, with many under the age of 15. Authorities identified around 20 victims, while six girls, now aged between 18 and 21, formally filed complaints.
Allegations of abuse and intimidation
Prosecutors said the group promoted nihilistic views, racist and antisemitic content, Nazi imagery and hostility towards feminist and LGBTQ+ communities.
Investigators alleged some victims were forced into sexual acts and self-harm, including injuries involving knives and Nazi symbols. The victims were subjected to threats and humiliation by members who referred to themselves as “war lords”.
Rane was arrested in France in 2021 after US authorities shared information about his role in the group.
Possible US extradition after sentence
The National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in the United States raised concerns about the group in 2020 after discovering disturbing online material linked to a 12-year-old victim.
French authorities said US officials have indicated they may seek Rane’s extradition after he completes his sentence in France.
The case has highlighted growing international concerns over online communities being used to target and exploit vulnerable individuals.
