Rohan Rane’s Paris trial begins behind closed doors

Rohan Rane’s trial on charges including torture or acts of barbarity against minors, organised extortion and distributing child-mistreatment material began Monday in Paris. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors. Rane denies no charges in the reports, and no verdict has been reported. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment. Investigators describe the 29-year-old Indian national as the leader of an online group called CVLT, which allegedly targeted vulnerable teenage girls through messaging and social media platforms. The group is accused of using private images to blackmail victims and coerce them into sexual acts or self-harm. The allegations have not been tested in a reported verdict. The case was triggered by a November 2020 report from the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning online material involving a 12-year-old girl. Investigators said the inquiry identified around 100 victims across several countries. Reports describe alleged coercion and threats, but do not specify how the victim estimate was calculated or the period it covers. The Paris court ordered the closed proceedings after a request from US authorities.