Bodø man admits to rapes and threats

A man in his early 20s from Bodø has admitted to multiple counts of aggravated rape and threats against three women, Dagbladet reports.

The man, currently on trial in Salten og Lofoten District Court, is accused of creating a web of at least 12 fake social media profiles to deceive the women into believing they were in online relationships. He later coerced them into sexual acts through threats, including claims of knowing their family members’ addresses and linking them to serious crimes.

Prosecutor Stig Morten Løkkebakken described the case as involving “sophisticated manipulation,” with the defendant using the false identities to isolate and control the victims. Message logs presented in court show threats sent from the same IP address.

The man has confessed to the most serious charges, stating, “I feel guilt. I deeply regret it. I realize what I did was wrong.” He admitted to raping one victim 10 to 15 times, five or six of which involved intercourse, and confirmed meeting three women in person after “catfishing hundreds” online.

This is not his first conviction. In 2023, he was sentenced to two years and six months of community service for rape and bodily harm against two minors, using similar tactics of fake profiles and threats.

The trial, which began on June 8, is expected to conclude on June 19. Prosecutors have not ruled out seeking preventive detention.