Aargau man accused of drugging and abusing multiple women

A man in the Swiss canton of Aargau is accused of drugging and sexually abusing several women, according to SRF. The Aargau Supreme Court has rejected his appeal against an extension of his pre-trial detention, citing a risk that evidence could be tampered with.

The case became public only after the man challenged the extension of his detention. Several videos allegedly show him performing sexual acts on multiple women, at least one of whom was unconscious. There has been no indictment or judgment in the case.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2017 and 2022. According to the court ruling, the man drugged his long-term girlfriend, who was underage at the time, with GBL or knockout drops. She allegedly became unconscious repeatedly, after which he abused her and filmed the acts. She later found a “very well-hidden video camera”.

Prosecutors say the man uploaded the recordings to pornographic platforms. They also refer to at least three other known victims. Further victims cannot be ruled out because some of the video material has not been specifically linked to individuals. Prosecutors describe the alleged conduct as serial.

The Aargau public prosecutor’s office is investigating the man for alleged offences against sexual integrity, personal freedom, life and limb, honour, privacy and confidentiality, as well as violations of narcotics legislation.

The man was arrested about a year ago. The Supreme Court said there was a risk of evidence tampering if he were released. Prosecutors also believe he could repeat the alleged offences, citing an expert report. The ruling is not yet legally final.

The case has drawn comparisons with that of a former SVP member of Aargau’s cantonal parliament from Untersiggenthal. He is accused of drugging and sexually abusing two women and a girl with knockout drops. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence in that case. The presumption of innocence applies in both cases.