French Prosecutors Investigate Reopening of Adult Website Previously Linked to Pelicot Rape Case
French authorities have opened an investigation into the re-emergence of the adult website Coco, now called Cocoland, previously linked to serious crimes including the mass rapes of Gisèle Pelicot. The site was shut down in 2024 but became accessible again on April 28, 2026. Women's rights groups urged a broader inquiry into similar platforms.
France 24French prosecutors launched an investigation into the reopening of the adult website Coco, now renamed Cocoland, which Dominique Pelicot used in a chatroom to recruit dozens of strangers to rape his sedated wife Gisèle Pelicot. The Paris public prosecutor's office opened the probe into the website's reopening, according to the office.
The website is now operating under a new URL and the name Cocoland with a coconut-themed backdrop, and it was accessible on April 28.
The platform Coco has been linked to crimes including the sexual abuse of children and murder. Coco is a French-language platform based abroad. The website Coco was shut down by the courts in June 2024.
Prior to the platform's re-emergence, the investigation into the Coco platform was well advanced, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. France's high commissioner for children, Sarah El Haïry, raised the alarm on the situation in mid-April. 'The reopening of the Coco site is a real slap in the face to the promise of protection we've made,' Sarah El Haïry said.
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape in 2024. Dominique Pelicot recruited dozens of strangers to rape his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot after drugging her in their home between 2011 and 2020. Dominique Pelicot spoke to potential attackers on the website's chatroom called 'A son insu' ('Without his/her knowledge').
Isaac Steidl, the founder and manager of the Coco website, was charged in January 2025 with complicity in drug trafficking, possession and distribution of child pornography, corruption of a minor via the internet, and criminal conspiracy. Isaac Steidl denies the charges. Julien Zanatta said Isaac Steidl had 'nothing to do' with the new website.
Two French women's rights groups called for authorities to launch a broader probe into other similar websites and platforms on April 28. The group M'endors pas was co-founded by Gisèle Pelicot's daughter Caroline Darian.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-28
The website Cocoland was accessible; two French women's rights groups called for authorities to launch a broader probe into other similar websites and platforms.
2 sourcesunattributed · Women's Foundation and M'endors pas - 2026-04-mid
France's high commissioner for children Sarah El Haïry raised the alarm on the situation.
1 sourceunattributed - 2025-01
Isaac Steidl, the founder and manager of the Coco website, was charged with complicity in drug trafficking, possession and distribution of child pornography, corruption of a minor via the internet, and criminal conspiracy.
1 sourceunattributed - 2024-06
The website Coco was shut down by the courts.
1 sourceunattributed - 2024
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.
1 sourceunattributed - 2011-2020
Dominique Pelicot recruited dozens of strangers to rape his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot after drugging her in their home.
1 sourceunattributed
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential shutdown of the reopened Cocoland website following the investigation.
- 02
Heightened public awareness and policy focus on child protection online, as highlighted by Sarah El Haïry's statements.
- 03
Broader probes into similar online platforms, increasing scrutiny on international websites linked to crimes in France.
- 04
Legal actions against operators of similar sites, potentially leading to more charges like those against Isaac Steidl.
- 05
Support for victims through expanded investigations, addressing organized crimes on such platforms.
Transparency Panel
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