Sex! Lies! Conspiracy!

It's a summer of sex scandals in the heart of Europe — but be careful which heavy-breathing headlines you believe. German papers are full of allegations that Michel Friedman, a prominent Jewish leader, was one of 100 well-known men found to be frequenting Berlin prostitutes. (He has made no comment.) And the French are bewildered by events in Toulouse, where underworld figures have accused several local leaders of taking part in sadomasochistic orgies — and then ordering the execution of at least one witness who was preparing to expose them.

In May, convicted serial killer Patrice Alègre confessed...