Interpol Appeals for Public Assistance in Identifying Missing Women

Interpol has launched a campaign to identify a number of unidentified murdered women across Europe, with 46 cold cases under investigation. Among the most notable cases is that of a teenage girl found murdered in western France more than 40 years ago. Key clues include a pair of red shoes, two beaded necklaces, and a British 10p coin, suggesting she may have had ties to the UK.

Interpol seeks public help to identify 46 murdered women.

Interpol Secretary-General Jürgen Stock emphasized the importance of public assistance in these investigations, stating, “Whether it is a memory, a tip, or a shared story, the smallest detail could help uncover the truth.” The campaign covers cases in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain, with details and possible identifying items posted on Interpol’s website.

One of the most pressing cases involves a teenager discovered in Le Cellier, France, in 1982, whose body was found hidden under leaves. The presence of the 10p coin led investigators to believe she might be British. Unfortunately, her remains are no longer available for DNA analysis, complicating the case further.

Retired detective Alain Brillet, who worked on the case, described it as a “triple enigma,” highlighting the difficulty in determining the victim's identity, origin, and the circumstances surrounding her death. Public interest in the case has waned over time, but local memories of the discovery remain vivid.

This initiative follows the success of last year’s Operation Identify Me campaign, which led to the identification of Rita Roberts, a British woman whose body was found in Belgium in 1992. Her family spotted her distinctive tattoo during a BBC report, bringing them closure after decades of uncertainty.

As part of the new campaign, Interpol is using targeted social media outreach and seeking celebrity endorsements to amplify their message. Detective Sandra Baasbank, who worked on another cold case in the Netherlands, hopes that renewed interest can yield new leads.

Dr. Susan Hitchin from Interpol's DNA unit noted the challenges posed by open borders and migration, which have contributed to an increasing number of unidentified victims across Europe. “These women have suffered a double injustice,” she said, emphasizing the need for closure for their families.

The campaign aims not only to identify the victims but also to bring justice to the families left without answers, reinforcing that “just because they don’t have names, don’t assume they’re not people,” as stated by Donna, the sister of the identified victim Rita Roberts.