Dozens of Women Killed in Europe May Have Been Victims of Human Trafficking: Expert Warns

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Dozens of women killed in mysterious circumstances around Europe may have fallen victim to human trafficking, an expert has warned. British woman Rita Roberts was identified as one of the victims this week, but police are still desperate to identify 21 others who were brutally killed.

Operation Identify Me, which involves the cooperation of police in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, is an international effort to identify 22 women who were killed in a string of mysterious murders across Europe. Interpol released information about the women, photographs, and even some facial reconstruction images to the public in hopes of solving the cold cases.

Dr. Susan Hitchin, Coordinator of Interpol’s DNA unit, spoke to The Sun about the unprecedented case. She explained that while the cases are not believed to be linked, there is always the possibility of human trafficking as a connection between the victims. “We know that some of these women have come from Eastern Europe and further afield, and there could well be human trafficking involved,” she said.

In their efforts to identify the victims, police have used various identifying features and objects found with the bodies. One woman, found in a bog in Germany in 2001, was reconstructed digitally, and a photograph of her distinctive blue and silver bracelet was released. Another woman, discovered in Germany in 1986, was found with a unique ring made of gold, silver, and copper wires woven together, as well as a distinctive metal denture.

In the case of a victim found burned in a German forest in the summer of 1997, the police found a round adhesive surface on one of her upper teeth, which had been “professionally applied.” They also released images of facial reconstruction and what they believe her distinctive tooth gem, which was removed, could have looked like. Additionally, a victim found in Belgium in 2009 was found with unique artificial nails decorated with a floral pattern.

Dr. Hitchin described the investigation as “heartbreaking” and an “emotional roller coaster.” While potential leads have been discovered, they have not yet led to any breakthroughs. However, the identification of Rita Roberts only months after the operation was launched gives investigators hope that other women might be identified as well.

Interpol has made information about the women publicly accessible on its website, including photographs of their clothing and identifying features. Dr. Hitchin emphasized that even the smallest detail, such as a tattoo or a piece of jewelry, could be crucial in identifying the victims and providing investigative leads.

The DNA expert also mentioned that the forensic field is evolving and advancing, and Interpol is using innovative techniques to reanalyze samples and potentially identify the victims and perpetrators. She assured that Interpol’s efforts to identify the women are ongoing and that they will continue to do everything they can to give these women back their names.

Operation Identify Me is an unprecedented investigation for Interpol, and there is no plan to end their efforts to identify the victims. Dr. Hitchin emphasized that it only takes one piece of information for a loved one to come forward and provide a breakthrough. She believes that there is always hope and that they will continue to do everything they can to solve these cold cases..