German Telegram Groups Linked to Rape and Drugging Schemes

BERLIN — The group referred to itself as a “German driving school for experts,” though prosecutors allege it operated as a network for bragging about rapes and sharing methods to drug victims.

Court documents detail how members treated women as “cars,” sedatives as “fuel,” and rape as “driving,” with victims derogatorily called “dead pigs.” The group shared photos and videos of assaults on unconscious individuals.

Authorities have tracked over two dozen Telegram groups used by mainly Chinese men targeting Chinese women in Germany. Three inner-circle members have been convicted of rape and related charges, while a fourth trial is ongoing in Berlin.

Prosecutors describe the perpetrators as “ruthless,” with victims commodified and crimes meticulously planned. The operation’s scale—rumored to involve tens of thousands of members—remains partially obscured by German privacy laws restricting public disclosure.

Fu Xiao, a Chinese woman who attended the trial, criticized the perpetrators’ dehumanization of women. In China, state media covered the cases, but online discussions on platforms like Rednote faced partial censorship for keywords related to the crimes.

The trial draws parallels to France’s Gisèle Pelicot case, where a woman’s decade-long ordeal of drugging and rape sparked global debates on sexual violence. Judge Markus Koppenleitner noted similar patterns in Germany and worldwide, citing international collaboration in dismantling such networks.

German investigators shared intelligence with authorities in Los Angeles, the Netherlands, and beyond. In LA, a Chinese student linked to the Berlin network allegedly drugged three women after sourcing drugs from Germany. Dutch police arrested suspects after German alerts, while Europol’s “Project Medusa” has secured 57 arrests targeting similar operations.

Despite Telegram’s terms prohibiting sexual violence, the platform faced criticism for failing to halt the activity. Its founder was arrested in 2024 over suspected misuse of the app for child exploitation and drug trafficking, though he contests these claims. The company maintains compliance with EU regulations.

Dapeng Z., identified as the group’s leader, was sentenced to 14 years for rape and attempted murder. Zhiting S., another inner-circle member, faces charges including child sexual abuse material sharing. Authorities confirm the investigation continues, with more arrests and victims possible.

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