Three men, aged 24, 28, and 38, are currently in custody following a court decision. Police spokesperson Petra Hrůzová reported the arrests on Tuesday after a young student was subjected to a 22-day ordeal of violence and exploitation.
The Ambush and Assault
The incident began in mid-February when the victim received a call from an unknown number. The caller requested transport from Kyjov to Hodonín and indicated he would pick up a friend along the way.
After arriving at a gas station, the two passengers briefly exited the vehicle before returning and offering a bonus payment to drive them to another location. They navigated the driver onto a field path leading toward ponds.
Upon stopping, the individual who ordered the ride pulled the young man from the car and brutally beat him. While the victim was being assaulted and forced back into the vehicle, a second attacker searched the car.
Captivity and Digital Exploitation
The attackers demanded access passwords for the victim’s phone, email, and online banking. He was then forced to drink a beverage containing a white powder, which left him lethargic and caused him to fall asleep.
The suspects transported the unconscious student to an old house, where he was guarded by a third man. The victim did not wake up for three days.
Once awake, the suspects returned his phone and informed him of missed calls from his parents. They forced him to dismiss his parents’ concerns and threatened him with liquidation if he contacted the police.
The perpetrators installed parental control software on the victim’s phone to monitor him. They similarly took out a loan in his name, forced him to open additional bank accounts, and compelled him to perform various financial operations.
Escape and Legal Consequences
The victim lived in fear for his own life and the lives of his loved ones for 22 days. In early March, he found the courage to tell his cousin what had happened.
Accompanied by his cousin, the young man went to the police and detailed the events of the previous three weeks. This led to the apprehension of the three suspects.
Investigators have charged the trio with eight different crimes, including robbery, deprivation of personal liberty, bodily harm, and credit fraud. The suspects could face up to ten years in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the ordeal last?
The victim was subjected to fear and violence for a total of twenty-two days before reporting the crime to the police.
What methods did the suspects utilize to control the victim?
The suspects used physical beatings, a drugging agent (white powder), threats of liquidation, and the installation of parental control software on his phone.
What are the legal charges against the three men?
The suspects are charged with eight crimes, which include credit fraud, robbery, ublížení na zdraví (bodily harm), and zbavení osobní svobody (deprivation of personal liberty).
How can digital security tools be better protected against coerced access in emergency situations?
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