At least 15 victims identified in serial rapist case

TALLINN - At least 15 victims have so far come forward in the case of a serial rapist arrested in March and currently held in custody, according to the Estonian police.

Police identified the suspect, a 56-year-old man, in March on suspicion of raping women since at least 2022. According to investigators, the man lured women from nightclubs and bars in Tallinn to his apartment in the Keldrimäe subdistrict in the city center, where he assaulted them.

While police had identified five victims by the end of March, that number has since grown significantly.

"As of today, 15 potential victims have contacted police, and the suspect has been taken into custody. Several of the victims recognized him from images shared in the media and on social media, and subsequently came forward. We have spoken with the victims and continue to investigate the cases thoroughly," Reimo Raivet, head of the police unit for sexual crimes and child protection, said on Tuesday.

However, based on the suspect’s pattern of behavior and evidence gathered so far, police believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Police are urging anyone who may have had contact with the man shown in media images to notify authorities.

"Every detail, no matter how small, is important and can help move the investigation forward. Our goal is to ensure justice and, together with Victim Support, provide professional help and support to victims," Raivet said.

Victims can contact the police by phone at +372 53 019 938 or submit a report online at https://www.politsei.ee/en/report-to-police.