According to the SRF and 24 heures, 57-year-old former Swiss cantonal deputy Patrick Frei faces charges including attempted murder, aggravated rape, and sexual acts with minors after allegedly drugging, filming, and sexually assaulting his ex-wife 140 times between December 2008 and August 2021. The UDC (Union démocratique du centre) politician is also accused of repeating these assaults 44 times against a Polish home health aide and her 15-year-old daughter in a one-year span starting in the summer of 2022.
Charges and Allegations Involving Multiple Victims
According to the indictment reviewed by the SRF, Patrick Frei allegedly administered GHB or GBL—substances known as party drugs or date rape drugs—to subdue his victims. Investigators state that he ordered large quantities of sedatives and sleeping pills over the internet, likely from Cambodia, and that he figures on some of the recorded clips himself. The former politician’s ex-wife reportedly suffers from ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder and can no longer work, while the victims retained few memories due to the substances.
Following his separation from his wife in August 2021, Patrick Frei met the Polish aide in Spain approximately a year later. She subsequently managed his household, living alongside her 15-year-old daughter, Paula L. Prosecutors state that the accused targeted the minor during these assaults. Paula L. recounted to police waking up in the middle of the night to find someone in her bed, describing the experience to 24 heures by stating, “It was like a dream, it was unreal. (…) Patrick was allongé sur moi,” before adding that everything turned black after an alleged sexual assault in April 2023.
Did You Know? According to the verified documentation, the accused politician allegedly ordered large batches of powerful sedatives and sleeping pills over the internet, obtaining substances from sources likely located in Cambodia.
Arrest, Canton Decisions, and Potential Legal Penalties
In September 2023, Iwona L. discovered her partner hiding a lamp and a camera inside her daughter’s bedroom in the middle of the night, prompting her to contact the police. Law enforcement immediately arrested the 57-year-old, who has remained in provisional detention for nearly three years while contesting most of the accusations. No trial date has been fixed yet by the court.
Following the arrest, the Canton decided to expel both Iwona L. and her daughter from Switzerland. Authorities concluded that Iwona L. obtained her residence permit fraudulently via a fake employment contract, issuing her a penalty through a penal order while leaving her without resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What substances was Patrick Frei accused of using?
According to the SRF, prosecutors state he used GHB or GBL, alongside other powerful sedatives and sleeping pills ordered online.
How many total assaults are detailed in the indictment?
The indictment outlines 140 alleged assaults against his former wife and 44 alleged assaults against the Polish aide and her teenage daughter.
What is the maximum penalty requested by the prosecution?
The public ministry has requested a sentence of life imprisonment (réclusion à perpétuité) for the former cantonal deputy.