Betty Szabó (19) was murdered on February 19, 2009, in a brothel in Amsterdams Red Light District. The case remained unsolved and became a cold case. In 2024, the police launched a large-scale media campaign to draw attention to the case once again. A hologram representing Betty was used as part of this campaign. This hologram was the centerpiece of a week-long campaign from the Amsterdam Red Light District. Millions of people learned about Betty and her story, resulting in dozens of tips.

One of the tips came from the imprisoned Caba D. in Hungary. He is serving a life sentence for, among other things, a murder committed in Beethovenstraat in Amsterdam in 2018. The victim of that murder was Ivan Serdarusic (62). D. named Serdarusic as the perpetrator of the murder of Betty Szabó in his statement. Investigators from the cold case team conducted extensive research into this tip. This included examining forensic evidence – such as DNA and fingerprints. The CCTV footage secured around the time of Bettys death in the Red Light District was also carefully reviewed by specialists. Additionally, various other methods were attempted to determine whether Serdarusic was present in the Red Light District that fateful night. None of these investigations could substantiate his involvement. Other information from D.s tip – about where the possible murder weapon might have been obtained – also led to nothing. Therefore, the police consider Serdarusics involvement highly unlikely. The perpetrator may need to be sought closer to home.

Background
Bernadett ‘Betty’ Szabo was born in Hungary. She grew up in poverty. At the age of 18, she moved to Amsterdam and began working as a sex worker in the Red Light District. During that time, she became pregnant and had a child. Shortly after giving birth, she resumed her work. The case remained unsolved despite extensive investigation. To bring the case back into the spotlight, the police developed a media campaign. A location in the Red Light District – at the corner of Korte Stormsteeg and Oudezijds Achterburgwal – was set up with a hologram and information about Betty’s life and death. The location, just a stones throw from where Betty was murdered, attracted large numbers of visitors and international media attention in November 2024. 

In addition to significant media attention, the reward was also increased to €30,000 for the golden tip. The police urges anyone with information about the murder of Betty Szabó to come forward. This can be done via the tip line at 0800 6070, but also anonymously through Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800 7000. Those who wish to speak confidentially can call the Criminal Intelligence Team at 088 – 661 77 34.