Dozens of Women Killed in Mysterious Circumstances in Europe May Have Fallen Victim to Human Trafficking, Warns Expert

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Dozens of women who were brutally killed in mysterious circumstances across Europe may have fallen victim to human trafficking, according to an expert. The case, known as Operation Identify Me, involves the cooperation of police in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands in an effort to identify 22 women who were murdered in cold cases dating back almost 50 years. British woman Rita Roberts was recently identified as one of the victims, but authorities are still desperate to identify the remaining 21 victims.

Dr. Susan Hitchin, Coordinator of Interpol’s DNA unit, spoke to The Sun about the unprecedented case. Interpol released information, photographs, and facial reconstruction images of the victims to the public in hopes of solving the cold cases. Rita Roberts, a 31-year-old British woman visiting Belgium from Cardiff, was brutally killed and later found in a river on June 3, 1992. Her distinctive flower tattoo, a dark rose with the initials “R” and “N” written underneath, was spotted by a relative in a BBC article five months after Interpol launched Operation Identify Me.

While Rita has been identified, there are still 21 other victims who remain a mystery. Authorities are working from facial sketches and small identifying details to try to identify them. Dr. Hitchin explained that while the cases are not believed to be linked, there is a possibility of human trafficking as a common thread among the victims. Many of the women are believed to have been found far from their homes, with some coming from Eastern Europe and beyond.

Interpol has used various identifying items and features to aid in the investigation. One victim, found in a bog in Germany in 2001, was reconstructed digitally, and a photograph of a blue and silver bracelet found near her body was released. Another victim, found near a motorway in Germany in 1986, was discovered with a unique ring made of gold, silver, and copper wires woven together, as well as a distinctive metal denture.

In one case, a victim found burned in a German forest in the summer of 1997 was believed to have owned a decorative tooth gem. Interpol released images of facial reconstruction and what they believe the tooth gem may have looked like. In another case, a victim found in Belgium in 2009 had distinctive acrylic nails decorated with a floral pattern.

Dr. Hitchin described the investigation as “heartbreaking” and an “emotional roller coaster” as potential leads often do not pan out. However, the identification of Rita Roberts gives investigators hope that other victims may be identified as well. Interpol has made information about the victims publicly accessible on their website, including photographs of their clothing and distinguishing features. Dr. Hitchin emphasized that even small details, such as a tattoo or a piece of jewelry, could help lead to an identification.

The investigation is ongoing, and Interpol will continue its efforts to identify the victims. Dr. Hitchin stated that there is always hope and that they will do everything they can to give these women back their names..