Fake French hypnotherapist goes on trial for drugging and raping 14 women in a decade

Cyril Zattara, a 47-year-old dance teacher who presented himself as a self-taught hypnotherapist, began his trial on January 5, 2026 at the court of Ele faces accusations of aggravated rape of 14 women over a decade, in addition to secretly filming around 20 victims in intimate situations without consent.

The process takes place behind closed doors, at the request of one of the civil parties, and should last until January 20th. Zattara, detained since 2021, partially admitted the facts, admitting guilt in 10 of the rape cases.

Victims report having been drugged with substances such as sleeping pills mixed into drinks, leaving them in a state of lethargy during the abuse. Exames Toxicological tests confirmed the presence of tranquilizers in several of them.

Start of investigations

The investigation began in June 2019, when a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint after a hypnosis session with Zattara. Ela reported having drunk wine offered by him, passed out and woken up with fragmented memories of sexual abuse, in addition to vomiting.

Forensic analysis found the accused’s DNA on the victim’s fingernails and underwear, indicating resistance. Essa initial complaint led to the identification of other women who had gone through similar situations.

• Most victims maintained friendly or intimate relationships with Zattara.
• Some sought his hypnosis services without knowing that he did not have certified training.
• The abuse occurred between 2010 and 2021 in locations including Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Simiane-Collongue.

Mode of operation of the accused

Zattara often invited victims to his home for a drink or during gatherings. Ele inserted sleeping pills into the drinks, leaving the women in a semi-conscious state.

When they woke up confused or disoriented, the accused attributed their discomfort to hypnosis or alcohol consumption. Perquisas on his computer revealed organized files with photos and videos of the victims in a lethargic state during sexual acts.

These materials served as decisive evidence in the prosecution. Police identified repeating patterns over the years.

Victim profile and context

Many victims were close friends, dance partners or former partners of Zattara. Outras sought him out specifically for hypnotherapy sessions, attracted by his presentation as a professional.

Blood and hair tests on several complainants detected substances such as zolpidem and GHB. The accused exploited trust relationships to facilitate crimes.

The case gained attention because it involved chemical submission, a method that makes it difficult for victims to resist and remember. Advogados of the civil parties highlight the need for reparation for the 19 women involved in the process.

Police findings

During searches of Zattara’s home, authorities located dozens of digital files classified by victims’ names. The videos showed the women with glassy eyes and limited movement during the abuse.

A hidden camera in the bathroom also recorded intimate images without authorization. Essas evidence reinforced accusations of privacy violations in addition to rapes.

Investigators noted that Zattara kept the files like trophies. The extent of the materials indicated a systematic pattern of behavior.

Details of the court case

The trial takes place at the departmental criminal court of Bouches-du-Rhône. The president of the session is magistrate Roger Arata, who handled similar cases of sexual violence.

Zattara appeared calm, accepting the decision behind closed doors. Ele faces severe penalties for aggravated substance abuse violations.

• Victims describe lasting impacts, such as professional and social difficulties.
• Some reported facts that were prescribed or not included in the main proceedings.
• The accused did not dispute the victims’ competence to decide on the huis clos.

Partial admission and defense

Zattara confessed to 10 of the 14 rapes during the instruction. Sua lawyer raises questions about access to controlled medications used in crimes.

The accusation emphasizes premeditation and repetition of acts. Partes civilians seek full recognition of the damage suffered.

The process highlights the risks of unregulated therapeutic practices. Autoridades reinforce the importance of verifying professional qualifications.

Key evidentiary elements

Evidence includes positive toxicological analyzes on multiple victims. DNA collected from one of the first complainants confirmed forced contact.

Recovered digital files show the women in an altered state. Testemunhos coincide in details about the offering of drinks and the confused awakening.

• Medical examinations documented traces of powerful somnifers.
• Videos captured by the accused themselves serve as direct evidence.
• Previous relationships of trust facilitated access to victims.

The trial continues with testimony and analysis of evidence until mid-January.