The date starts pleasantly between the victim and the later suspect. However, it quickly becomes clear that the suspect came to the meeting with very different intentions. When the victim indicates wanting to take it easy, the man becomes angry. He states he did not come for that reason and demands money for the taxi ride he took. Then he takes valuable items from the victim. Despite the shock of the unpleasant turn the date suddenly took, the victim remains clear-headed. He convinces the suspect to put the items down again and to go withdraw money together. What he then does is clever: he lets the suspect leave his house first and quickly closes the door behind him.
Soon after, the victim discovers that the suspect unfortunately managed to take a tablet. Through the dating app where they met, the suspect starts blackmailing the victim. The victim can get the tablet back, but the suspect wants money in return. The victim then decides to call the police. Officers who arrive quickly see opportunities to track the suspect. They keep talking with him in the app. Together with the victim, the officers withdraw money and send a photo of this to the suspect. Then an agreement is made to exchange the tablet for the money. Thanks to camera footage, officers know what the suspect looks like and stand watch outside. The suspect is spotted at one point while observing the victim’s home. A plainclothes officer cautiously approaches him and sees that the suspect likely has a tablet with him. Enough reason to proceed with an arrest. The 46-year-old man without a fixed residence is taken to the police station and is currently in custody.
Police for everyone
When unpleasant things happen on dates, people sometimes do not dare to talk about it, even if it involves criminal offenses. Have you become a victim of a crime? Know that you can always turn to the police. The police are there for everyone and officers will help you without judgment. If you want to get in touch with someone from the LGBTQ+ community within the police, contact Roze in Blauw at 088-1691234. In emergencies, always call 112, as the victim in this case did.
Center for Sexual Violence
If you are a victim of sexual violence and want to contact the police, you can do so via the Center for Sexual Violence (CSG). The CSG is a place where victims of a distressing sexual experience – online or offline – can get the help they need: forensic, medical, and psychological. At the CSG, a team of doctors, nurses, police, and other caregivers work together to provide specialized care to victims of sexual violence. Your wishes are central at the CSG. To contact the CSG, call free and anonymously at 0800 – 0188, chat via https://chat.centrumseksueelgeweld.nl, or visit Elisabeth Wolffstraat 4, Amsterdam. This is possible every day, also without an appointment.