Verdict Approaches in Paris for Man Accused of Leading Child Exploitation Discord Ring

Rohan Rane faces a verdict Friday in Paris after a closed-door trial on charges of leading an international network that coerced minors in the U.S., Britain, and Canada into producing violent and sexual content.

French police arrested the 29-year-old from Pune in Antibes in 2021 following alerts from U.S. authorities. Court records show Rane initially dismissed the investigation as a misunderstanding before admitting he administered the Discord group. A court-appointed psychiatrist later found him in a state of denial, noting he understood the allegations but refused to accept responsibility.

Evidence presented to judges included images on Rane's devices showing young girls harming themselves on his commands. While detained since 2021, he continued messaging minors on Discord. Authorities found writings covered in swastikas in his cell in February 2022, prompting his placement in solitary confinement.

The group, identified as CVLT, operated across multiple continents. U.S. Justice Department records state the network promoted neo-Nazism, nihilism, and pedophilia while attempting to build a following. At least three other members are in custody, including Kaleb Christopher Merritt, who pleaded guilty to running a child exploitation enterprise and faces a January sentencing hearing.

Lawyers for the victims say the abuse has caused lasting trauma. “What the victims expect from the court, is a sentence that matches the severity of the actions,” said Hippolyte Marquetty, a lawyer representing five U.S. victims. He added that the penalty must protect the public and ensure Rane cannot quickly reoffend.

Civil parties in the case argue that the digital nature of the crimes often obscures their real-world harm. “There is an explosion of violence and cruelty in the sexual violence committed against children and minors online,” said ECPAT 360 representative Anna Rodriguez. French judges restricted public access to the proceedings solely to protect the identities of the child victims. Rane faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. His legal team declined to comment.