Breakthrough in Aalborg rape case: 48-year-old man suspected after three years
North Jutland Police have identified a 48-year-old man as a suspect in two assaults in Østerådalen in 2023. The man is held in remand custody in Spain.
Suspect identified via DNA three years after rape in Østerådalen
North Jutland Police have identified a 48-year-old man as a suspect in two sexual offences committed in Østerådalen in Aalborg on 20 October 2023. This is reported by B.T. on the basis of information from the police.
On that evening, a then 32-year-old woman was subjected to a completed rape. Approximately half an hour later, a 46-year-old woman was assaulted in the same area, but she called for help and the perpetrator fled.
The suspect is not a Danish citizen and is currently held in remand custody in Spain for an offence committed there. It was precisely the Spanish arrest that led to the breakthrough: police traced the man via DNA evidence after he was registered in connection with the case in Spain.
Investigation leader and police commissioner Carsten Straszek describes the investigation as particularly difficult. "In the case, we did not have what is called in professional terms a 'clean DNA profile'. Instead, we have had to work with a 'mixed profile', which noticeably complicates the process of identifying suspects in foreign DNA registers," he says.
Straszek makes no attempt to hide the seriousness of the case: "This is an extremely serious and very grave case, which has had major consequences for the victims and which has created a great deal of unease. I hope and believe that we can now proceed with the final part of the process and bring the perpetrator to account for his actions."
On Friday, the 48-year-old will be presented in absentia before the Aalborg Court in a preliminary hearing, as he remains in Spanish remand custody.
Any possible extradition to Denmark is described as a lengthy process. "Any possible extradition can only take place once the Spanish authorities are ready to hand over the suspect to the Danish authorities," explains Straszek. The timing depends, among other things, on when the ongoing Spanish case will permit a handover.
Source: B.T.