Search form

menu menu
  • Daily & Weekly newsletters
  • Buy & download The Bulletin
  • Comment on our articles

Investigation into rapes by fake taxi drivers in Brussels

11:28 11/02/2014

Police in Brussels are investigating 23 alleged incidents of rape involving men pretending to be taxi drivers. The incidents took place over the last three years in the area of Ter Kamerenbos park and in each case involved a young woman travelling home alone after an evening out in the city.

“The suspects posed as taxi drivers and took them to the Ter Kamerenbos where the victim was raped or sexually assaulted,” said Ine Van Wymersch, spokesperson for the Brussels prosecutor’s office. No weapons have been involved in reports, she said.

The men are targeting women who have been drinking. “A victim who is under the influence is not in a state to give consent to sexual contact,” said Van Wymersch.

Investigators are looking for several suspects, though they don’t necessarily think they are in contact with each other. One suspect was arrested last Friday. “The man denied the charges and has not been detained, but the investigation continues,” Van Wymersch said.

The prosecutor advised users to always contact a reputable taxi company. Genuine licensed city taxis can be found in taxi ranks, have a chequered stripe down the side of the vehicle and are equipped with a light on the roof. Licensed taxi drivers also have a certificate with a photo that they are obliged to display inside the vehicle.

Written by Alan Hope

Comments

patrick mcguire

Please advise your female readers to use a system that I use with my daughter when she goes out and uses a taxi(rarely on her own). She tells the driver politely before getting into the taxi that she is sending the registration number of the taxi and taxi number (if available) by SMS to her parents. If the taxi driver is not ok with it, then she is to get another taxi. This should be done with the full knowledge of the taxi driver, as it it puts him on warning. Simple but effective. Please spread the word.

Feb 11, 2014 15:38
patrick mcguire

Please advise your female readers to use a system that I use with my daughter when she goes out and uses a taxi(rarely on her own). She tells the driver politely before getting into the taxi that she is sending the registration number of the taxi and taxi number (if available) by SMS to her parents. If the taxi driver is not ok with it, then she is to get another taxi. This should be done with the full knowledge of the taxi driver, as it it puts him on warning. Simple but effective. Please spread the word.

Feb 11, 2014 15:38