German Predator Lured Women via Dating Apps to Drug and Rape Them

A 68-year-old Berlin man has been indicted on charges involving 14 victims, whom he allegedly drugged and raped after connecting with them through online dating platforms.

Discovery Through a Separate Investigation

The investigation began in early 2025 when Verden police examined a separate case involving a deceased man. While analyzing his digital communications, investigators discovered messages linking him to the currently accused 68-year-old, prompting a referral to the Berlin prosecutor’s office. Formal proceedings were initiated in March 2025.

Rapes Caught on Video

Officers searched the suspect’s residence and seized data storage devices containing recordings of sexual assaults. A year later, police conducted a second search and arrested the Berlin resident. The man has remained in custody since that time.

Victims Unaware of the Crimes

Prosecutors allege the suspect drugged his dates with sleep-inducing substances mixed into alcohol to incapacitate them before committing sexual assault. The victims remained unaware of the crimes until investigators showed them the video evidence, as the substances used had caused them to lose memory of the attacks. The accused has not yet addressed the charges.

Scope of the Indictment

The Berlin prosecutor’s office announced on July 14 that the indictment covers 22 crimes involving 14 women. Investigators are still working to identify ten other potential victims, while information regarding 30 additional individuals is already known, with separate investigations ongoing.

Statute of Limitations Issues

Authorities dropped proceedings related to 36 rapes allegedly committed against one woman between 2010 and 2014, citing the statute of limitations. Prosecutors noted it was difficult to prove the use of violence or drugs in those specific historical cases, which fall under a five-year limitation period compared to the 20-year period for violent rape.

Prosecution Seeks Preventive Detention

The prosecution is seeking not only a conviction but also an order for preventive detention to isolate the offender from society after he completes his sentence. There is no evidence currently suggesting the suspect suffers from diminished capacity.