Louisiana Woman Charged as Leader of US Monkey Torture Ring

Federal investigators from Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans dismantled an encrypted Telegram network that circulated graphic videos of macaque monkeys being tortured. Participants referred to the private chat rooms as “kitchens” and the videos as “sauce,” and the ring operated across several U.S. states and overseas.

At least 30 individuals have been indicted, including Ariel Kornienko of Covington, Louisiana, who used the online alias “Baronness” and pleaded guilty to distributing the videos. Arrests span Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and Virginia. Officials say the case underscores ongoing enforcement against extreme animal cruelty online.