Bodø man admits to systematic sexual coercion using fake online profiles

A man in his 20s from Bodø admitted in court Monday to charges of gross rape, reckless conduct, and blackmail after luring three women into a web of threats and sexual coercion through fake social media profiles, Dagbladet reports.

The two-week trial opened in Salten and Lofoten District Court, where the defendant—who has confessed to police—pleaded guilty to the most serious allegations. His defense attorney, Finn Ove Smith, confirmed the admission to the court.

Prosecutor Stig Morten Løkkebakken described a calculated scheme in which the accused created roughly ten false identities to manipulate the victims. Some profiles posed as romantic interests, while others issued threats, including claims that the women were being watched. Two victims initially believed they were in relationships with one of the fictitious personas before being introduced to the defendant and pressured into sexual acts under duress.

One victim testified Monday that she first connected with the accused on Tinder, where he “seemed like a normal guy.” Conversations later escalated on Snapchat, with fake profiles demanding she write violent sexual stories starring herself. Threats followed, including warnings that people were tracking her location—a claim that left her “genuinely terrified,” she told the court.

She recounted meeting the defendant in person after blocking one threatening profile, only to be coerced into sex under the pretense that both were being forced by unseen third parties. “He always promised it would be the last time,” she said. “He apologized, said he didn’t want to, but that we had no choice.”

The prosecutor argued the case involved a single perpetrator orchestrating all interactions, despite the illusion of multiple people. The defendant faces potential preventive detention.