Afghan National Arrested After a Series of Sexual Assaults on Sheep and Goats [WATCH]

A 19-year-old Afghan national has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of incidents involving the rape and sexual assault of livestock in Pennes-Mirabeau, a municipality in the Bouches-du-Rhône region near Marseille, authorities said.

The suspect was taken into custody by officers from the Brigade Anticriminalité (BAC) during the night of April 9–10, 2026, after local sheep and goat owners alerted police.

According to reports from French newspaper La Provence, farmers in the area had been dealing with repeated incidents since early 2026, with animals discovered injured in February and March.

Investigators said the livestock had their legs tied and showed clear signs of rape and sexual assault.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

At least six animals were identified as victims, with some subjected to repeated attacks.

Authorities said the animals suffered significant injuries, including lacerations and other physical trauma.

In one case, a young lamb was reported to have sustained injuries severe enough to place its life in danger.

The repeated nature of the attacks led farm owners to increase security measures across their properties.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

After multiple incidents, farmers installed motion-sensor cameras in an effort to identify the individual responsible.

Surveillance footage captured the silhouette of a young man entering the farms at night and approaching the animals.

The footage was later provided to police, who used the images to identify a suspect.

Authorities confirmed that the individual was arrested after being located by police.

He appeared before a judge on Saturday, April 11, 2026, who ordered that he be placed in pre-trial detention. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, April 13.

Under French law, the charges related to acts of cruelty toward domesticated animals carry a potential penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of €45,000.

The case has also drawn attention from the Animal Protection Association (SPA), which announced plans to pursue civil action.

In a statement, the organization said, “[We] are going to take this barbarian to court,” and added, “Thank you to the national police for their essential intervention.”

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing evidence collected from the farms and surveillance systems that ultimately led to the suspect’s identification and arrest.

The case in southern France follows other reported incidents in Europe involving sexual assaults on animals.

In February 2025, in Oberneufnach, Bavaria, a 52-year-old Turkish asylum seeker was arrested after being recorded on surveillance cameras sexually assaulting ponies inside a stable.

According to reports, the incident was discovered after the owners were alerted by their dog and monitored the situation through security cameras.

The suspect was later apprehended and taken into custody.

In 2023, another case was reported in Birkenmoor, located in the Harburg district near Hamburg, where a 27-year-old suspect was arrested after being captured on surveillance footage sexually assaulting a pony at approximately 1 a.m.

The footage was later provided to authorities and shared with media outlets.

An earlier incident in 2017 involved a Syrian migrant who was reported to have sexually assaulted a pony at a petting zoo in Görlitzer Park.

According to an account published at the time, a witness observed the attack and provided photographic evidence to police.

The individual was subsequently banned from the petting zoo, though it was not confirmed whether charges were filed.

Authorities in France have not indicated whether the current case is connected to incidents elsewhere in Europe.

The investigation in Pennes-Mirabeau continues as legal proceedings move forward.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.