On Tuesday, Interpol launched a new phase of its “Identify Me” campaign, aiming to identify 46 women whose remains were discovered in Europe, many in suspicious or unexplained circumstances. The global police organization, based in Lyon, France, is focusing on unsolved cases, some dating back decades.
The campaign builds on the success of an earlier 2023 appeal to identify 22 deceased women, which generated 1,800 public tips. The new initiative has expanded to include cold cases from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, along with newly participating countries like France, Italy, and Spain.
“Even the smallest piece of information can be vital in helping solve these cold cases,” said Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock, encouraging the public to share memories or tips that could uncover crucial details.
One of the previous campaign’s successes came in November last year when the body of a woman, found murdered 31 years ago in a Belgian river, was identified as Briton Rita Roberts. Her identification was made possible due to a distinctive tattoo of a black flower with green leaves, which a family member recognized.
Interpol is now publishing images of the women’s faces, as well as items such as jewelry and clothing found at the crime scenes, hoping the public can help identify the deceased.
“Our goal is simple,” Stock said. “We want to identify the deceased women, bring answers to families, and deliver justice to the victims. The public could be the key to unlocking a name, a past, and delivering long-overdue justice.”
