French Authorities Seek Additional Witnesses in Major Child Abuse and Homicide Case Spanning Nine Countries

French law enforcement officials have issued a public appeal for further testimonies in the wake of a major criminal investigation involving a 79-year-old former educator accused of sexual offenses against 89 minors and two counts of homicide. The inquiry, which has drawn international attention, involves incidents reported across nine countries from the late 1960s through 2022.

The suspect, identified as Jacques Leveugle, was a teacher and instructor who worked in several nations, including Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Niger, Algeria, the Philippines, India, Colombia, and the French territory of New Caledonia. Authorities allege that during his professional engagements abroad, Leveugle targeted minors aged 13 to 17, abusing positions of trust within educational and tutoring roles.

The investigation began after a relative discovered a USB flash drive containing extensive personal writings by the suspect, which detailed encounters with underage individuals. Analysis of these documents enabled investigators to identify 89 minors believed to be victims of sexual abuse. The content, reportedly spanning 15 volumes, is undergoing systematic examination to corroborate the identities and experiences of the individuals referenced.

French prosecutors have stated that Leveugle had been in custody since his indictment in 2024. The decision to publicly name the suspect was made to facilitate the identification of additional possible victims who may not yet have come forward. Officials emphasized the unusual nature of the case and the necessity of ensuring that all potential witnesses and survivors are able to provide testimony to support the ongoing investigation.

In addition to the charges related to sexual abuse, Leveugle has reportedly admitted to two homicides. According to authorities, he confessed to suffocating his mother, who was terminally ill, during the 1970s, and his 92-year-old aunt in the 1990s, both in France. The suspect allegedly justified these actions as acts of mercy, indicating a desire for similar intervention should he find himself in comparable circumstances. These admissions were documented in his personal memoirs, which have been seized as evidence. A separate investigation has been initiated to address the homicide allegations.

The case has emerged amid heightened scrutiny of systemic failures in safeguarding children within French institutions, following high-profile convictions in recent years. Child protection advocates have expressed concern about loopholes that may enable repeat offenses by individuals in positions of trust, particularly in international and freelance educational settings.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case, or who may have had contact with the suspect in any of the affected countries, to reach out to law enforcement. The ongoing investigation is being coordinated by officials in Grenoble, southeastern France, in collaboration with international partners to ensure all avenues are thoroughly pursued and that support is provided to survivors.

This case continues to prompt widespread discussion on the need for more robust mechanisms to detect and prevent child sexual abuse in educational environments, especially for professionals working across borders. French prosecutors have reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive inquiry, emphasizing the importance of victim testimony in bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing future offenses.