Indian man accused of neo-Nazi child abuse network, goes on trial in Paris
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An Indian man accused of leading a neo-Nazi online network that coerced minor girls into sexual acts and severe self-harm has gone on trial in Paris and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Rohan Rane, 29, led CVLT, an online group whose members promoted neo-Nazism, nihilism and paedophilia, according to investigators.
Victims were groomed and blackmailed on platforms including Discord into performing sexual acts and harming themselves while recording the abuse.
Rane faces charges including torture or acts of barbarity against minors, organised extortion and dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began in late 2020 after the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received material involving minor girls. Rane, who moved to France to study at a business school in Antibes, later worked as a fitness coach, according to AFP.
French investigators said Rane administered a Discord group linked to CVLT, while members of the wider network operated across several countries. Le Monde reported that investigators identified dozens of offenders and around 100 victims in countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands.
Rane’s victims included girls as young as 12. Le Monde reported that the investigation into Rane identified around 20 victims, mostly American or British, aged between 12 and 18. Investigators alleged that he threatened to distribute nude images to force girls into sexual acts and self-harm.
The US Justice Department has separately described CVLT as a group dedicated to the online sexual exploitation of children and said its leaders controlled servers and membership and directed victims to produce extortion videos.
Rane initially faced a possible 20-year sentence. A further legal classification added in March 2025 could expose him to life imprisonment. His lawyer, Irina Kratz, has challenged the additional charge.
The US has also sought his extradition over a case involving an American victim.
The Paris court ordered the trial to be held behind closed doors over concerns about intimidation of victims and witnesses and the graphic material expected to be presented. Five American women, now aged 18 to 21, are participating as civil parties and are expected to testify by video link.
The trial is scheduled to continue until Friday.