The police have arrested four suspects in a major investigation into sexual abuse of women and the exchange of images, including a man from Sint Willebrord. Information shows that several women may have been drugged by someone close to them. Sexual acts were then performed on the victims while they were filmed.
The case came to light after the Dutch police received tips from government services in Germany and England. Four other suspects (including a Veldhoven resident) have been identified, but are currently not in custody.
“The suspicions against the men vary. For example, they participated in a closed group in which illegally obtained images of drugged victims were shared,” the police said.
Weapons seized
Some suspects have made and/or distributed sexual images. In addition, some men are also suspected of endangering victims by drugging them to the point of (attempted) rape. Various data carriers such as computers, USB sticks, SD cards and telephones have been seized from the suspects’ homes for further investigation. In addition, drug and/or narcotic substances were found in various places and weapons were seized.
The exact number of victims is still unclear. According to the police, it is clear “that this is a case with an enormous impact”.
Life completely turned upside down
Perpetrators of this type of sexual violence use substances such as GHB or heavy sleeping or tranquilizers to drug victims. “As a victim, you may not know what happened to you, because you may have been drugged and unconscious. The news that your partner or someone you know may have drugged you and perhaps even raped you or wanted to do this, can turn your life completely upside down,” said Milou van der Kolk of the Sexual Crimes Team of the Rotterdam police in a statement.
Victim Support Netherlands has been called in to assist the victims. The Center for Sexual Violence (CSG) and Veilig Thuis are also involved.