Ghislaine Maxwell served as the primary recruiter. She targeted vulnerable girls - those from broken homes, low-income backgrounds, girls who needed money or attention.

The methodology was consistent: approach at malls, schools, parks. Offer cash for "massage services." Start with legitimate-seeming work. Gradually escalate.

The pyramid structure is notable. Victims were paid bonuses to recruit other girls. $200 for each new recruit. This created a network effect and complicated prosecution - victims became perpetrators.

Maxwell was convicted on five of six counts in December 2021. Sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor for illegal sex acts, conspiracy. Sentenced to 20 years.

But she has refused to name others involved. Despite clear evidence the operation involved many more adults. The client list remains sealed.

Jean-Luc Brunel, the modeling agent who supplied girls, was found dead in his Paris cell in February 2022. Another suicide by hanging. Another witness who cannot testify.