Catalan police have arrested a 24-year-old man accused of 11 acts of exhibitionism and sexual assault on the Barcelona Metro, concluding a three-year investigation. The arrest occurred on Tuesday, 24 March, and a judge has since banned the man from re-entering the entire metro network.
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The Regional Urban Transport Area (ARTU) of the Mossos d’Esquadra led the extensive inquiry. Authorities linked the individual to 11 separate complaints of alleged sexual aggression. The police have not disclosed the man’s nationality. They have also withheld details about the victims or specific metro lines involved.
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Three-Year Investigation Concludes
The investigation spanned three years, according to reports by El Caso and confirmed by the newspaper Ara. Officers from ARTU diligently pursued the suspect during this period. The man reportedly operated near the turnstiles at various metro stations across the city.
He allegedly waited for a chosen victim to validate her ticket. He would then begin to masturbate. Subsequently, he would rub himself against the woman. He appeared to take advantage of the belief she was trying to sneak onto public transport.
Precautionary Measures Imposed
The Mossos d’Esquadra maintained a cautious approach when releasing information about the case. They confirmed 11 victims but did not specify their relationship to the aggressor. The police also did not reveal if victims were minors or tourists.
The Barcelona Metro, operated by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), serves millions of passengers daily. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and security on public transport networks. The network is a vital artery for residents, commuters, and tourists alike.
The 24-year-old man has a prior police record for theft. Following his arrest, he appeared before a duty judge. The judge released him with the strict precautionary measure of not re-entering the Barcelona Metro system. This measure aims to protect public safety on the extensive transport network.
Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
