The alleged leader of an online neo‑Nazi child exploitation network, 29‑year‑old Rohan Rane, has stood trial in Paris accused of coercing girls into sexual acts and self‑harm. US authorities say the internet group CVLT groomed victims across several countries via Discord and promoted racist and paedophilic ideology. Five American women have joined as civil parties; the Paris court ordered closed‑door proceedings, citing risks to victims, threats and ongoing international cooperation.
Alleged Neo‑Nazi Ringleader Rohan Rane Faces Paris Trial Over Online Child Exploitation
Investigators say the victims were targeted by a group of men who communicated on the popular messaging platform Discord (MAURO PIMENTEL)
An Indian national, identified by investigators as Rohan Rane, 29, went on trial in Paris on Monday accused of leading an online neo‑Nazi child exploitation network that allegedly coerced young girls into sexual acts and self‑harm.
Case Background
Prosecutors say the group operated across multiple countries — including the United States, the Netherlands, Britain and Estonia — and targeted mainly underage girls via the messaging platform Discord. A US Department of Justice filing describes the internet collective, known as CVLT, as promoting "neo‑Nazism, nihilism and paedophilia as its core principles." Investigators say members communicated from countries including Germany, New Zealand and the United States.
Allegations and Charges
Rane, who studied in Antibes and later worked as a fitness coach, faces charges that include torture or acts of barbarity against minors, organised extortion and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment. The investigation began in November 2020 after the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported online images of a 12‑year‑old and other disturbing material.
Victims, Evidence and Proceedings
Five American women, now aged 18–21, have joined the case as civil parties and were expected to testify by video link. French judges noted that footage expected to be shown in court depicts the torture and humiliation of victims, many under 15. The court also cited prior attempts by the group to intimidate victims, witnesses and even threaten US prosecutors.
Closed‑Door Trial
The Paris criminal court ordered the hearings to be held behind closed doors. The decision followed formal requests from US authorities and a prosecutor's recommendation that private proceedings were necessary to protect victims, preserve international cooperation and avoid further harm to those involved. Victims' lawyers and child protection groups opposed the move, arguing the public scrutiny could highlight social‑media risks to teenage girls.
Rane declined to comment on the decision. The trial is scheduled to run through Friday.
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