A truly chilling story has emerged from France, where a 79-year-old man, Jacques Laveugle, stands accused of horrific crimes spanning over half a century. His alleged trail of abuse, discovered through a remarkable piece of digital evidence, has shocked authorities and drawn grim comparisons to another recent high-profile case.
The investigation took a crucial turn when a relative uncovered a “USB memoir.” This digital archive, staggering in its scope, contained 15 volumes detailing alleged sexual acts committed between 1967 and 2022. Prosecutors claim these meticulous records unmask 89 alleged victims, mostly boys aged 13 to 17 at the time of the incidents.
Laveugle, who used his positions as a teacher, tutor, and guide, reportedly preyed on vulnerable children across multiple continents. His alleged victims were found not only in France but also in India, Morocco, Algeria, Germany, Switzerland, Niger, the Philippines, and New Caledonia. Beyond the abuse charges, Laveugle has confessed to two murders: his mother and his 92-year-old aunt.
In an unusual move for the French legal system, Laveugle’s identity and photos have been made public. Authorities hope this will encourage victims, many listed with incomplete identities in his memoirs, to come forward. A national hotline has been set up for anyone who encountered him during his long career.
This case mirrors the recent Gisele Pelicot trial, both highlighting how meticulously documented digital evidence can finally expose long-hidden atrocities. With Laveugle’s advanced age, there’s an urgent push to identify and support victims whose lives were affected over the last 50 years. It’s a stark reminder of hidden dangers and the undeniable power of a digital footprint.
