In dozens of Telegram groups, users exchange information about how to drug and abuse women. Recordings of this are then shared. STRG_F has documented the relevant chat histories, photos and videos.
By Isabell Beer, Isabel Ströh, Mette Marit Olsson, Lia Gavi, NDR
For over a year, a research team from STRG_F has observed dozens of chat groups on the messenger service Telegram, documenting chat histories, photos and videos from groups with hundreds to tens of thousands of members, including German users.
In these chats, users exchange instructions on how to drug people unnoticed for sexual assaults and even rape. They incite each other and offer their partners to other users for rape. Rapes are announced and corresponding recordings are shared.
Sexual Abuse in Real Time
The women affected seem to come from the users' immediate environment: they are talking about their own sister, mother, girlfriend or wife. Some claim that their partner agrees to it. Many, however, write proudly that they know nothing about it.One user reports in the chat about his supposed partner: "She's completely drunk now and on some sleeping pills. I should hopefully have some fun soon." Other users are enthusiastic: "Wow, fantastic! What does she look like?" The user sends photos.
In some cases, the alleged rapes take place in real time in front of an online audience. In one case documented by the research, a German man offers his wife for rape. He claims to have already ordered drugs on the Internet.
Knockout drugs shock toxicologists
Users exchange tips and instructions for using narcotics. Various cocaine drugs are advertised and links to online shops are shared.STRG_F was able to order a knockout drug disguised as a hair care product on the Internet . Toxicologist Volker Auwärter from Freiburg University Hospital found several dangerous substances in it: medetomidine, a veterinary anesthetic, flualprazolam, a designer benzodiazepine, and scopolamine, an anti-emetic drug.
Toxicologist Auwärter expressed his shock to STRG_F . Such a composition was previously unknown and could not be detected in standard tests. "This is a new level," said Auwärter, "we will probably have to upgrade the analysis again." The toxicologist is also concerned that the narcotic is being sold disguised as a hair serum, as it could remain undetected even during a house search.
Sexual assault on unconscious people punishable
Sexual assaults on unconscious people are punishable under Paragraph 177, Section 2 of the Criminal Code. Possession of recordings of rapes of adults, however, is not. When asked, the Federal Ministry of Justice stated: "In terms of criminal policy, the Federal Ministry of Justice currently believes that there is no need to change this."When asked, the Federal Ministry of the Interior said: "If the police authorities become aware of information about possible criminal groups, they actively follow up on the information. Criminal activities on the Internet are prosecuted in the same way as in the analogue world."
The Federal Criminal Police Office had already asked STRG_F about such Telegram groups over a year ago. However, when asked, it explained that it could not provide precise information for investigative reasons: "In addition, if criminal acts are involved, it is possible, for example, to report the relevant groups to the service provider/messenger service and request that they be deleted."
Telegram explained when asked that it follows up on relevant information from users and investigative authorities: "Telegram has a zero-tolerance policy towards misuse of its platform. All users who are caught doing so are blocked immediately."
Association of Women Lawyers sees need for legal action
In the course of the research, some of the groups are deleted and some inactive members are removed. However, new invitation links to other groups show that the rapist network is deeply rooted.Anja Schmidt from the German Association of Women Lawyers describes the situation to STRG_F as "pretty appalling". It is simply an indication that the regulations that currently exist are not sufficient.
"Even if one or two criminal offenses are certainly applicable. I think it's because it's not clear what the extent of this is. This is a completely different quality. Live moving images of sexualized violence. There is a real need for action," said Schmidt.
