In the town of Moselle, a couple who had been foster parents since the early 1990s are under formal investigation for suspected sexual assaults and rapes involving around 20 children. The investigation, which began in 2022, was triggered by a complaint from a now-18-year-old woman who had been in their care several years earlier. She accused the couple of subjecting her to regular violence, including what is termed "corruption of minors." This led authorities to examine the experiences of all former children hosted by the couple, identifying about 50 former minors now living in different parts of France. Of those 50, 26 reported having experienced various forms of violence, including sexual assault, attempted rape, or rape, over a period of nearly 20 years, from 1997 to 2016. Most of these children—14 boys and 12 girls—did not interact with each other while in the foster family's care. Prosecutor Olivier Glady of Sarreguemines described the case as affecting "an entire generation of minors." The formal investigation was launched on August 21 and assigned to an investigating judge in Sarreguemines. The couple has denied the allegations against them. Following the formal investigation, they were placed in provisional detention but appealed this decision. The instruction chamber of the Metz Court of Appeal ruled in their favor, ordering their release this week. They are now under judicial supervision, meaning they must comply with specific conditions set by the court. This case has raised significant concerns about the oversight of foster care systems and the long-term impact on children who may have been in vulnerable situations. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in care.