French judicial authorities have opened a formal investigation into former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec over allegations involving 48 newly identified victims, according to franceinfo. The inquiry covers accusations of rape and sexual assault, with prosecutors in Lorient listing 10 alleged rapes and 40 sexual assaults, as reported by Le Monde and 20 Minutes.
The investigation was opened following the identification of the additional alleged victims, Ouest-France reports. Le Scouarnec, a former surgeon, is already the subject of an ongoing legal case, and this new judicial inquiry expands the scope of accusations against him.
The 48 new cases were brought to light during the course of prior proceedings, according to the reports. French prosecutors have now formally registered these allegations, allowing investigating judges to pursue the matter further. The charges involve incidents that allegedly took place in various medical settings where Le Scouarnec worked, though the specific locations and time periods have not been detailed in the reports.
Le Scouarnec has previously been convicted in connection with child abuse charges, and this latest development adds a significant number of new complainants to the legal process. The judicial inquiry, known in France as an "information judiciaire," gives magistrates broad powers to gather evidence and hear witness testimony.
The case continues to move through the French court system, with investigators expected to examine the new allegations in detail. The next step will likely involve formal hearings with the alleged victims and further examination of evidence tied to the 48 new cases.
