Interpol, the international police agency, has announced the reopening of investigations into the deaths of 46 women across six European countries, Al Jazeera reports.
The initiative, dubbed “Identify Me,” aims to bring closure to families and deliver justice for victims who died under suspicious circumstances.
The effort expands upon a successful 2023 campaign that focused on identifying 22 deceased women. That appeal garnered over 1,800 tips from the public and resulted in the identification of Rita Roberts, a British woman who was murdered in Belgium 31 years ago. Her identity was confirmed through a tattoo of a black flower with green leaves that a family member recognized.
This new phase of the investigation encompasses cold cases from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain. Police forces in these countries will collaborate, pooling their analytical expertise and utilizing advanced forensic methods such as DNA profiling and facial reconstruction to identify the remains of the 46 women.
“We want to bring answers to families and deliver justice to the victims,” said Interpol Secretary-General Jurgen Stock in a statement. “Even the smallest piece of information can be vital in helping solve these cold cases. Whether it is a memory, a tip, or a shared story, the smallest detail could help uncover the truth.”
To aid in the identification process, Interpol has published extracts of “Black Notice” alerts on its website. These alerts, typically circulated only among police, provide details about the unidentified bodies, including biometric data, physical descriptions, and information about clothing.
