Man Tried to Assault Four Women in Broad Daylight in Ghent

Police in Ghent are searching for a man who attempted to assault at least four women in broad daylight near the city’s main railway station last December. One victim, speaking under the pseudonym “Silke” (22), described how she escaped by reflexively pulling her scarf over her mouth as the suspect tried to kiss her, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

The Attacks

The incidents occurred on Monday, 29 December 2025, in the early afternoon — the busy holiday shopping period when the streets around Gent-Sint-Pieters station were crowded with shoppers. The suspect, described as a man with dark hair, a dark beard, and wearing a khaki-green jacket, targeted women over a span of less than 30 minutes.

The first attack took place on Koningin Elisabethlaan, where Silke and her friend Jitte (22) were walking from the station toward the city center. The suspect approached them, struck up a conversation, then suddenly attempted to embrace and kiss Silke. “He tried to grab me and kiss me,” Silke told HLN. “In a reflex, I could just barely pull my scarf over my mouth.”

When the man cornered Silke against the street, Jitte intervened and pulled her friend into a perfumery shop. The suspect followed them inside, shouting “I know you!” and “I love you!” The women fled behind the counter, and the shopkeeper threatened to call the police, at which point the man casually walked away.

“The whole day we were startled whenever we saw someone in a khaki-green jacket,” Jitte said. “Our heart stopped every time.”

Further Incidents at the Station

Barely five minutes later, the same man appeared on surveillance footage inside Gent-Sint-Pieters station, according to police spokesperson Elise Vangroenderbeek. There, he approached a young couple waiting for their train. After striking up a conversation, he leaned forward as if to kiss the woman. When her male companion intervened, the suspect became aggressive and punched him in the face.

Surveillance cameras also captured the suspect harassing at least two more women inside the station during the same 30-minute window. These victims, along with the couple, have not yet filed police reports, but authorities are urging them to come forward.

“These people have not filed a report, but we would still like to speak with them,” Vangroenderbeek said.

Investigation and Public Appeal

The case is being handled by the Federal Judicial Police in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and DPG Media. Investigative journalist Faroek Özgünes, known for crime reporting on VTM, is assisting with the public appeal. Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to call the free tip line at 0800 30 300 or email opsporingen@police.belgium.eu.

Broader Context

The attacks come amid a broader context of declining crime in Ghent. According to 2024 crime statistics, overall crime in the city decreased by 12 percent compared to 2023, with crimes against persons falling by 16 percent. However, the brazen nature of these incidents — occurring in broad daylight in a busy area — has shaken the local community and highlights ongoing concerns about public safety for women.

What’s Next

Police continue to search for the suspect, who remains unidentified more than five months after the attacks. Authorities are appealing for additional victims and witnesses to come forward, and are working with media partners to maximize the reach of their public appeal. The investigation remains ongoing.