Swedish ‘Pelicot’ Trial Begins: Man Charged with Coercing Wife into Sex with 120 Men

A 61-year-old Swedish man faces rape and assault charges for allegedly forcing his wife into sexual acts at a secluded farm near Kramfors.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 8:43 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from BBC News

The Isolation of a Secluded Farm

The trial of a 61-year-old defendant opened on Friday at the district court in Härnösand, uncovering a disturbing narrative of systematic abuse in northern Sweden. Prosecutors allege that beginning in 2022, the man utilized the extreme geographical isolation of the couple's farm near Kramfors to exert total control over his wife. By limiting her social network and exploiting her "vulnerable situation," the defendant is accused of transforming their private residence into a site for commercial sexual exploitation. The victim eventually escaped the situation by filing a police report in October 2025, leading to a sprawling investigation into the men who traveled from across the country to participate in the alleged crimes.

Surveillance and Narcotic Coercion

According to the indictment, the defendant did not rely solely on psychological pressure but employed technical and chemical means to facilitate the abuse. Surveillance cameras were reportedly installed throughout the home, allowing the man to monitor his wife's movements and record the sexual encounters. Prosecutor Ida Annerstedt stated that drugs were frequently used to "push the victim's limits" and weaken her resistance. This footage, along with seized digital communications and financial records, forms the core of the prosecution's evidence. The defendant has countered these claims by asserting that the sexual acts were consensual and that he merely acted as an "organizer" for his wife's activities.

A Litany of Violent Threats

The details of the alleged coercion involve a chilling level of physical intimidation. Court documents cited by public broadcaster SVT reveal that the man threatened to kill his wife, pour petrol on her to set her ablaze, and amputate her fingers if she failed to comply with his demands. This environment of "normalized fear" reportedly prevented the woman from seeking help for years. The prosecution argues that this systemic violence constitutes several counts of aggravated rape, attempted rape, and assault, emphasizing that the woman’s consent was impossible under such extreme duress.