French Teacher (79) Charged 2026: 89 Boys Abused Across 10 Countries Over 55 Years

What is the Jacques Leveugle Abuse Case?

French authorities have uncovered one of the most extensive child sexual abuse cases in European history, charging 79-year-old former teacher Jacques Leveugle with aggravated rape and sexual assault of 89 minors across ten countries over a staggering 55-year period from 1967 to 2022. The Grenoble prosecutor's office revealed shocking details about the systematic abuse that spanned continents and decades, with victims aged 13 to 17 years old. This case represents a disturbing pattern of long-term sexual abuse cases that authorities are increasingly uncovering through digital evidence.

Case Background and Discovery

The investigation began in late 2023 when Leveugle's nephew discovered a USB drive containing what prosecutors describe as a 'digital diary' - 15 volumes of detailed writings documenting sexual relations with minors. 'The suspect maintained meticulous records of his crimes, which provided investigators with unprecedented evidence,' said Grenoble prosecutor Etienne Manteaux during a press conference. The USB drive contained explicit descriptions of abuse spanning decades, allowing authorities to verify 89 victims across multiple jurisdictions.

Geographic Scope of the Crimes

Leveugle's professional positions as a freelance teacher and speleology instructor enabled him to travel extensively and access vulnerable youth populations. The ten countries where authorities have identified abuse include:

• France (primary location)
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Portugal
• Morocco
• Algeria
• Niger
• India
• Colombia
• New Caledonia (French territory in the Pacific)

The last documented incidents occurred in 2022 in Morocco, indicating the abuse continued until Leveugle was 77 years old. This international dimension complicates prosecution but highlights how global child protection systems must coordinate to prevent such cross-border crimes.

Murder Confessions and Additional Charges

In a disturbing development, Leveugle has confessed to two murders in addition to the sexual abuse charges. According to prosecutors, he admitted to killing his terminally ill mother in the 1970s and his 92-year-old aunt in the 1990s, both by suffocation with a pillow. 'He claimed he wanted someone to do the same for him if he were in an end-of-life situation,' explained prosecutor Manteaux. A separate murder investigation has been opened for these crimes, which authorities believe were motivated by what Leveugle described as 'mercy killings.'

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

Jacques Leveugle has been in custody since his indictment in 2024, nearly two years before the public revelation of the case's full scope. The Grenoble prosecutor's office took the unusual step of publicly naming the suspect and holding a press conference to encourage additional victims to come forward. Of the 89 identified victims, approximately 40 remain unidentified, and authorities believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward.

Challenges in Prosecution

The case presents several legal challenges:

1. Statute of limitations: Some crimes dating back to the 1960s and 1970s may be time-barred under French law
2. International jurisdiction: Coordinating evidence and witness testimony across ten countries
3. Victim identification: Locating victims who may now be in their 50s and 60s
4. Evidence preservation: Ensuring digital evidence from the USB drive is admissible in court

Despite these challenges, prosecutors are pursuing all available charges, with Leveugle facing life imprisonment if convicted on the most serious counts.

Impact on Child Protection Systems

This case has sparked renewed scrutiny of child protection mechanisms in educational and youth activity settings. Leveugle's ability to abuse minors across multiple countries and decades without detection raises serious questions about background checks, supervision protocols, and international information sharing about potential predators. The case follows other recent European child abuse scandals that have exposed systemic failures in protecting vulnerable youth.

Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse in France

According to recent data, France faces a significant child sexual abuse crisis:

• Approximately 160,000 children experience sexual violence annually in France
• 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before age 18
• 95% of perpetrators are male
• Up to 50% of sexual assaults against children are committed by family members
• 76% of incest victims report that others were aware of the abuse but did not intervene

These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved prevention and reporting mechanisms.

FAQ: Jacques Leveugle Abuse Case

How was the abuse discovered?

The case came to light in late 2023 when Leveugle's nephew discovered a USB drive containing 15 volumes of detailed writings documenting sexual relations with minors aged 13-17.

What countries were involved in the abuse?

The abuse occurred in ten countries: France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, India, Colombia, and New Caledonia.

How long has the suspect been in custody?

Jacques Leveugle has been in custody since his indictment in 2024, nearly two years before the public revelation of the case's full scope.

What are the murder charges about?

Leveugle confessed to killing his terminally ill mother in the 1970s and his 92-year-old aunt in the 1990s, both by suffocation with a pillow.

How can victims come forward?

The Grenoble prosecutor's office has established special channels for victims to contact authorities, with multilingual support available for international victims.

Sources

France 24: French authorities call for witnesses in massive abuse case
Times of India: French ex-teacher charged with abuse of 89 minors
Statista: Child sexual abuse statistics in France