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Stockholm, Sweden – A man in his 50s has been remanded in custody, suspected of a rape that occurred in Högdalen, a suburb of Stockholm, in October 2020. The arrest comes after he was initially detained last week on charges of petty theft, according to Swedish police.

The breakthrough in the 2020 case occurred following a DNA analysis conducted in connection with the recent theft investigation. Investigators discovered a match between the man’s DNA and evidence collected at the scene of the Högdalen rape, police stated. This development has reopened a case that remained unsolved for over three years. The victim was a 19-year-old woman at the time of the assault.

“The analysis showed that his DNA matched the DNA trace secured in connection with the 2020 rape,” said Jonny Petersson, an investigator at the Farsta police station, as reported by Sweden Herald. The suspect was previously unknown to authorities until his arrest for the shoplifting incident.

The case highlights the potential of forensic evidence, particularly DNA analysis, to resolve cold cases. Even as advancements in DNA technology have long been utilized in criminal investigations, the ability to link seemingly unrelated crimes through DNA databases is becoming increasingly common. Sweden, like many European nations, maintains a national DNA registry used for criminal investigations, subject to strict privacy regulations.

The Högdalen area, located in southern Stockholm, has seen other serious crimes in recent years. In 2019, a man was murdered in Högdalen, and his body was dismembered and dumped near Flaten lake, as reported by Svenska Dagbladet. That case resulted in a murder conviction and sentences for two accomplices who assisted in dismembering and disposing of the body.

The current suspect is now in custody while the investigation proceeds. Under Swedish law, pre-trial detention requires a reasonable suspicion of a crime and a risk that the suspect may flee, tamper with evidence, or continue criminal activity. The prosecution will now build its case based on the DNA evidence and any further information gathered during the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the 2020 rape. The focus remains on gathering additional evidence and preparing for potential legal proceedings. Aftonbladet also reported on the arrest and the DNA link.

What comes next is the formal charging process, followed by a trial where the prosecution will present its evidence. The Swedish legal system emphasizes due process and the rights of the accused, ensuring a thorough and fair examination of the case.

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Perth, Western Australia, is set to develop into a major hub for international rugby in 2026, securing exclusive hosting rights for two blockbuster matches featuring Australia’s national team, the Wallabies. The Wallabies will face both Italy and South Africa in Western Australia, offering Australian fans a unique opportunity to witness world-class rugby action on home soil. These matches are expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region, bolstering tourism and supporting local jobs, as part of the Cook Government’s broader economic diversification strategy.

The first match, part of the inaugural Nations Championship tournament, will notice the Wallabies take on Italy at HBF Park on Saturday, July 18th. Later in the year, on Sunday, September 27th, Optus Stadium will host a highly anticipated clash between Australia and the defending world champions, South Africa, for the prestigious Mandela Challenge Plate. According to Tourism WA, these fixtures represent a significant investment in Western Australia’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination.

The securing of these matches was confirmed by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, ensuring that Australian fans have exclusive access to see the Wallabies compete against Italy and South Africa in 2026. The Nations Championship, a latest biennial tournament involving 12 leading rugby nations, serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, which is likewise slated to initiate in Perth. The Mandela Challenge Plate, contested between Australia and South Africa’s Springboks, adds further prestige to the calendar.

Economic Impact and Tourism Boost

The Western Australian government anticipates a substantial economic impact from these events. The Wallabies and Springboks last played in Perth in 2024, attracting nearly 3,000 out-of-state visitors and reaching an international audience of almost 1.7 million viewers, as reported by Tourism WA. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby stated, “These matches are expected to attract thousands of out-of-state visitors, showcase our city to a global audience through international broadcasts, and strengthen WA’s reputation as a world-class host of major sporting events.”

These events are part of a larger effort to create a year-round calendar of events in Western Australia, diversifying the economy and extending the tourism season beyond peak periods. Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti emphasized the government’s commitment, saying, “By investing in these major events, we’re creating an events calendar that attracts visitors year-round, supports local jobs, and delivers long-term benefits for Western Australians.”

Building on a Golden Decade for Rugby in WA

Western Australia’s commitment to rugby extends beyond these two matches. The region has already hosted a sold-out Bledisloe Cup in 2025 and has secured a three-year deal to continue hosting Rugby SVNS in Perth until 2028. These events culminate with the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup kicking off in Perth, solidifying the state’s position as a key player in the world of rugby. The ongoing investment in sporting infrastructure, including HBF Park and Optus Stadium, is crucial to attracting and hosting these high-profile events.

The Mandela Challenge Plate, awarded to the winner of the Test match series between the Wallabies and Springboks, will further elevate the profile of the Perth fixture. Both matches will be broadcast live across Australia and internationally, showcasing Western Australia’s world-class facilities to key tourism markets. The focus on attracting out-of-state visitors aims to generate valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and create employment opportunities.

As Perth prepares to host these significant rugby events, the focus remains on delivering a world-class experience for both players and fans. The Cook Government and Tourism WA are committed to leveraging these opportunities to strengthen Western Australia’s position as a leading sports tourism destination. Further details about ticketing and event schedules can be found at australia.rugby.

What comes next is the detailed planning and logistical preparation for these events, including ticketing sales, fan engagement initiatives, and broadcast arrangements. The success of these matches will be a key indicator of Western Australia’s ability to attract and host major international sporting events in the years to come. Share your thoughts on these exciting developments in the comments below!