Dominique P., a 71-year-old Frenchman, has been accused of recruiting strangers online to come to his home and sexually assault his wife. These alleged crimes are said to have been ongoing for over a decade.

The defendant is now on trial in France for these heinous acts. It has been revealed that he repeatedly drugged and raped his wife with the assistance of those he recruited. French authorities report that the victim was raped 92 times by 72 men over a ten-year period. Of these perpetrators, 50 have been identified and charged alongside Dominique P.

The victim, now 72, was unaware of the assaults until 2020, when police informed her. Her lawyer stated that the trial will be particularly distressing for her, as much of the evidence is in video form.

First Incident

Dominique P.’s initial encounter with the police occurred in September 2020 when security at a shopping center alerted authorities after catching him taking upskirt photos of unsuspecting women. During the investigation, police discovered hundreds of pictures and videos of his wife on his computer, showing her in an unconscious state.

The images are alleged to depict numerous assaults in the couple’s home, with investigations tracing the crimes back to 2011. Further scrutiny revealed online chats where Dominique P. allegedly recruited strangers to come to their home and rape his wife. He admitted to giving her powerful tranquilizers, including anxiety-reducing medication.

The accused rapists, aged between 26 and 74, came from various backgrounds. While most participated only once, some were involved up to six times, according to prosecutors. The defense claims they were helping the couple live out their fantasies, but Dominique P. admitted that all participants knew his wife was drugged without her consent.

Other Charges

In addition to the current charges, Dominique P. faces accusations from 1991, including murder and rape, which he denies. He has admitted to an attempted rape in 1999 following DNA testing. The trial, held at the Parc des Expositions in Avignon, southern France, is scheduled to conclude on December 20.

On the opening day of the trial, the victim attended court with the support of her three children. Her lawyer, Mr. Camus, noted that although a closed-door trial was an option, it would have favored the attackers’ wishes.

Prosecutors allege that Dominique P. participated in the rapes, filmed them, and encouraged others to use degrading language.

Additional reporting by the BBC.

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