Warning of rise in bogus rape reports in Malaga

THERE has been a rise in false reports of rape from tourists in Malaga, according to the police.

They are apparently doing this, the police say, to make fraudulent claims from their travel insurance.

Doctors claim that in several cases they are convinced that the women are lying, but it is very hard to prove.

“Some travel insurance policies have clauses by which tourists can get the money for their tickets back as well as compensation if they report they have been raped on holiday” one doctor told a local Spanish daily.

Police and doctors report that they first saw this approximately three years ago and that on the Costa del Sol it is not a widely extended practice, whereas in areas such as Mallorca, it is seen more frequently.

The police say they suspect women whose stories don’t add up, who can’t remember anything about the alleged attackers, or who do not appear to be overly upset about the ordeal.

However, they rarely have enough proof to open proceedings against the alleged victims for making a false report.

In most cases the women, aged between 19 and 25, have left Spain within 48 hours of making the report.

Meanwhile doctors say they suspicions are raised when there is a lack of injuries or when the alleged victim wants to avoid undergoing an examination.

Often no biological evidence is found.