Belgium Bar Horror: Managers Accused of Drugging Dozens of Women in Sexual Assault Nightmare

Belgian authorities are investigating a disturbing case in Kortrijk, Belgium, where at least 41 women were allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted.

Prosecutors have identified three bar managers as key suspects, accusing them of spiking drinks with substances such as ketamine between December 2021 and December 2024.

Bars at the Center of the Investigation

The Western Flanders public prosecutor’s office stated that the accused individuals operated bars where the alleged crimes occurred. Investigators believe the suspects coordinated their actions and deliberately targeted victims by offering them alcohol—often amaretto-flavored shots. Many victims reported blacking out and waking up disoriented in unfamiliar places or in their own homes, showing signs of sexual abuse.

Authorities have arrested one of the main suspects, while another has appeared in court. A third was released following questioning, and two additional individuals remain under investigation. The suspects face charges of rape, sexual assault, and administering harmful substances.

Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin condemned the attacks, calling them “unacceptable” and stressing the dangers posed by the easy availability of ketamine. “When a drug is cheap and accessible, it becomes easier to misuse,” he warned. He also emphasized the need to ensure that women can enjoy nightlife safely without fear. He has since taken steps by partnering with the hospitality sector to develop a strategy for ensuring safe nightlife in the city.

Rising Ketamine Use in Belgium

Recent studies indicate that ketamine use is growing rapidly in Belgium. Research from the University of Antwerp revealed that consumption has increased by up to eleven times since 2012. Originally used in medical and veterinary fields, the drug has gained popularity in nightlife settings.

A wastewater analysis conducted between 2020 and 2023 showed significant ketamine traces in both urban and rural areas, with the highest levels found near the Dutch border. While often associated with partygoers, the findings suggest regular use throughout the week, indicating a broader trend beyond nightlife.

Viewer Reactions

Replying to posts on X regarding the incident, readers expressed their concerns and hopes for proper punishment of the perpetrators.

Sexual Assault Cases and Victim Support

Sexual violence remains a serious issue in Belgium. In 2021, police recorded an average of 11 reported rapes per day, though studies suggest that 82% of sexual assaults go unreported. A national survey found that 16% of women and 5% of men in Belgium have experienced rape in their lifetime.

To support survivors, Belgium has expanded its network of Sexual Assault Centres, which provide medical, psychological, and legal assistance. These centers, funded by the Institute for Gender Equality and FPS Public Health, have been established in major cities since 2017, with the most recent locations opening in Namur, Luxembourg, and Limburg in 2023.

The ongoing investigation in Belgium has intensified discussions on the need for stricter laws against drug-facilitated assaults and greater support for survivors across Belgium.

Watch a video here: