Overview
- Europol announced Thursday that investigators have identified 156 alleged victims and suspects and uncovered 274 new leads while the operation continues across multiple countries.
- Since Project Medusa began in April, authorities have made 57 arrests and placed 158 people into protective custody as teams pursue further cases and prosecutions.
- Investigators say perpetrators used encrypted messaging, forums and closed social groups to trade videos, advice on procuring sedatives and methods for drugging partners.
- The German BKA urged anyone who suspects they were drugged to seek immediate medical and police help because the sedative substances are only detectable in blood or urine for a short time.
- Authorities from Germany and the UK led the probe with Europol coordination and participation from nine countries, and officials are withholding case details to protect ongoing inquiries while citing parallels to the long‑running Pelicot abuse case.