Case involves 12-year-old girl

A sexual exploitation case involving a 12-year-old girl is being brought before the Lyon courts. Five men will face charges of aggravated pimping before the Rhône assize court from October 26 to November 2.

Girl disappeared twice in 2022

At the center of the case is a teenager who disappeared twice in 2022. Her disappearances led investigators to discover the conditions under which she was being prostituted.

First disappearance in June 2022

The first disappearance dates back to June 17, 2022. The girl was disenrolled from school and already vulnerable due to a difficult background. She left a camp in southern France where she was staying with her grandmother.

Girl found after being reported

A few days later, on June 23, a man who had used her sexual services recognized her face on a wanted poster and informed the police. Investigators found the teenager in an apartment on the quai Gillet in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon. She had bruises and injuries on her thigh.

Cocaine found in her body

Analyses also revealed the presence of cocaine in her body. According to Le Progrès, she had met a few weeks earlier a 19-year-old man on social networks. Convinced she was living a romantic relationship with him, she gradually became placed under his control and that of three of his friends.

Men promised her money and luxuries

The four men would have promised her money, clothes, and luxury accessories. During this first disappearance, the teenager would have met about 30 clients, contacted notably through internet platforms. She claims she had to bring back daily between 500 and 1,000 euros, under threat of threats or violence.

Girl disappeared again in October 2022

After being found in June, the teenager returned home. But on October 14, 2022, she disappeared again. This time, she joined another young man, aged 20, with whom she claims to be in a romantic relationship.

Exploitation continued for months

For more than two months, the teenager moved between Paris, Switzerland, and Cannes, while being sexually exploited again, on the street or through internet sites. She was finally found by the police on December 23 in Cannes, after a new report.

Trial will examine each man's role

The trial will have to determine the responsibilities of each in the sexual exploitation of the teenager, as the men who used her services have not been prosecuted in this case.