A plea for assistance has been launched to solve the cold cases of unsolved murders that have haunted Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Operation “Identify Me” aims to uncover the identities of 22 women who were likely victims of these crimes, some of whom tragically lost their lives several decades ago.
Despite extensive police investigations, these women have remained nameless, and there is evidence suggesting that they may have come from countries different from where they were murdered. Their true identities, origins, and reasons for being in these countries are still shrouded in mystery.
In an unprecedented move, INTERPOL has publicly disclosed certain details from the “Black Notices” that are instrumental in collecting information and intelligence related to unidentified bodies and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The website www.interpol.int/How-we-work/Notices/Operation-Identify-Me showcases facial reconstructions of some of the victims, along with videos and photographs of items such as jewelry and clothing found in various locations on land and water where the victims’ remains were abandoned. The hope is that someone might recognize these items and provide crucial information to solve these cases.
The provided information includes estimated age, hair color, eye color, and other physical characteristics. As some of the victims are believed to have originated from specific regions in Eastern Europe, their identification could potentially provide valuable leads to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes.
Among the victims are women who may have come from Poland
In a few instances, investigators have discovered certain details that might trigger recognition after many years.
One notable item is a unique bracelet adorned with diamonds. Based on a distinctive vaccination scar, investigators speculate that the woman who possessed this jewelry could have come from Poland. At the time of her death, she could have been between 20 and 35 years old. Fragments of her body were discovered in bags in a canal in the Netherlands in January 1995.
Another victim, whose body was found buried in a forest near Berlin, was wearing an electronic watch bearing the brand Juta—a product manufactured in East Germany but widely popular in Poland. The watch featured an engraved date: 22.9.82. The significance of this date remains a perplexing puzzle.
Since 2021, INTERPOL has provided investigators with a powerful global tool called the I-Familia database, which facilitates the identification of unknown individuals through international DNA kinship matching.
In cases where biological relatives suspect that one of the victims might be their missing loved one, national police agencies can collaborate with INTERPOL for international DNA comparisons. Contact forms are available at the end of each case summary.
If you recall a friend, family member, or acquaintance who vanished suddenly, please take a closer look and contact your local police agency if you possess any information about any of the victims.
Operation “Identify Me” endeavors to bring closure to these cold cases, provide answers to grieving families, and deliver justice to the victims who have long remained unidentified. Your assistance could hold the key to unraveling these mysteries and offering solace to those affected by these tragic events.