Matthis Ternel, the recently elected mayor of Tréogan (22), has been placed in provisional detention. This action follows his arrest on Tuesday and presentation to a judge of liberties and detention in Saint Brieuc on Thursday, as confirmed by the prosecutor of Toulon, Raphaël Balland.
A Group Focused on “HPI”
According to the prosecutor, Ternel contested the criminal nature of his behavior during questioning. The investigation began in October 2022, when a 21-year-old student filed a complaint in Mayenne alleging that Ternel threatened her if she left a discussion group he created on a social network specializing in connecting individuals with high intellectual potential (HPI).
The complainant stated that Ternel led this group, which was structured hierarchically with strict rules of membership based on a distinction between “functional” and “dysfunctional” individuals.
Suspicions of a Sectarian Group
Participants in the group, described as interested in spirituality and philosophy, were promised access to a “fifth level of ultimate instruction” by following Ternel’s teachings. He allegedly demanded “total devotion” from some women, recognizing him as “the absolute” and “the divine.”
Investigations were initiated by the national gendarmerie’s research section in Marseille, as Ternel resided in the Hyères area (Var) at the time. An initial judicial inquiry was opened in December 2025.
“Very Intrusive Control”
During the investigation, authorities identified five other potential victims residing in various cities across France, all young women. One of these individuals was 17 years old at the time. Two of the identified women declined to file complaints, stating they did not believe they had been victims of any wrongdoing.
The prosecutor stated that, in addition to a “very intrusive control” over the personal and intimate lives of these young women, financial contributions were allegedly requested, ranging from a few hundred euros to nearly 30,000 euros from one individual. One woman claimed to have experienced psychological violence and sexual acts under duress.
Following these discoveries, Matthis Ternel, 27, was arrested at his home on Tuesday and placed in custody. The investigating judge in Toulon will now determine whether to formally indict him and whether to continue his provisional detention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the arrest of Matthis Ternel?
Matthis Ternel was arrested following an investigation into allegations of threats of death and abuse of vulnerability, stemming from a complaint filed in 2022.
What is the nature of the group Ternel allegedly led?
The group, focused on individuals with high intellectual potential (HPI), was described as structured hierarchically and promising a “fifth level of ultimate instruction” to those who followed Ternel’s teachings.
How many potential victims have been identified?
Investigators have identified five other potential victims in addition to the initial complainant, all young women, with one being 17 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, what impact will these allegations have on the compact community of Tréogan and the broader political landscape?
