Mannheim police officer charged with raping two trafficking victims
The Mannheim public prosecutor's office has charged a 38-year-old police officer with raping two alleged victims of human trafficking. He is accused of exploiting the women's difficult situation.
Charges against Mannheim officer following hotel inspection
The Mannheim public prosecutor's office has brought charges against a police officer from Mannheim police headquarters, accused of raping two alleged victims of human trafficking. According to DER SPIEGEL (Justice & Crime), the accused is 38 years old and was an active officer at the time of the alleged offences.
In June of last year, the police officer conducted identity checks at a Mannheim hotel. Witnesses had previously reported that illegal prostitution was taking place there. During the inspection, he allegedly told the two women that they would have to pay a fine. When they stated they were unable to do so, the officer allegedly replied that this could be arranged differently.
That same evening, he visited the 22 and 29-year-old women again at the hotel outside his duty hours. According to the charges, he threatened them with a fine or arrest if they would not have sexual intercourse with him. Afraid, the women agreed. Only later did they confide in another police officer, whereupon an investigation was initiated.
According to police and the public prosecutor's office, the officer was not aware that the two women had allegedly been lured to Germany under false pretences and forced into prostitution. The charge is rape in two joined cases.
Mannheim police headquarters has suspended the officer and initiated disciplinary proceedings. Mannheim district court will now decide on whether to admit the charges.