Daily Reports
Four young individuals, including two adults and two minors, have been indicted for 'violence in meetings' following a series of ambushes targeting young men on the now-closed dating site Coco.gg, according to Grenoble prosecutor Eric Vaillant. The incidents occurred at the end of 2023 in Seyssinet-Pariset (Isère) and involved a group of three to seven criminals.
The victims were robbed of their cell phones or bank cards by a gang sometimes armed with knives and were also molested, stated the prosecutor. One gang member was arrested in early December 2023 in flagrante delicto, and three co-perpetrators or accomplices were subsequently arrested at their homes. These individuals were presented to an investigating judge to open a judicial investigation aimed at identifying and questioning the rest of the team and listing other related incidents.
On June 26, two minors aged 17 and two adults aged 18 and 19, considered co-perpetrators or accomplices, were arrested in the Grenoble metropolis and indicted for 'violence in a meeting'. Searches led to the discovery of knives, mobile phones, means of payment, and materials necessary for packaging narcotics, added the prosecutor.
Coco.gg, described as a 'den of predators' by associations and implicated in homophobic ambushes, was closed on Tuesday as part of a judicial investigation. The platform, which defined itself as the 'first free chat site', facilitated traps due to its ephemeral messaging and hidden identities. Despite claiming that users had to be of legal age to chat, no verification was conducted, allowing any user to indicate they were of legal age. Additionally, the site lacked moderation, leading to the circulation of illicit photos.
- The case highlights the dangers of online dating platforms that lack proper verification and moderation mechanisms. The ephemeral nature of messages on Coco.gg made it easier for predators to organize ambushes and commit crimes without leaving a trace.
- Associations have long criticized Coco.gg for its role in facilitating predatory behavior, particularly against young men. The judicial investigation and subsequent closure of the site mark a significant step in addressing these concerns and protecting potential victims.
- The arrests and indictments serve as a reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for stricter regulations and oversight on dating platforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
