Van Damme tied to sex trafficking case

The Romanian Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) has reportedly filed a criminal complaint against Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.

According to CNN affiliate Antena 3, the 64-year-old actor, best known for his roles in the films Kickboxer, Double Impact and Street Fighter, is reportedly facing legal action in Romania for consensual sexual relations with several women who were victims of sex trafficking, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

The actor allegedly met with several people also under investigation for sex trafficking crimes, who offered him to have sex with five Romanian models as a "gift."

One of these people is believed to be Romanian businessman and modeling agency owner, Morel Bolea.

This alleged incident is said to have taken place in Cannes and no time frame has been given, it reports.

Adrian Cuculis, the lawyer for one of the alleged victims, stated that "at an event organized by Jean-Claude Van Damme in Cannes, some Romanians, who are currently under investigation for forming a criminal group, allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women - photo models in Romania - for sex."

He added that "the person who received these services was aware of their condition."

According to Cuculis, the incident involving Jean-Claude Van Damme is part of a larger investigation launched in 2020 by the Romanian prosecutor's office into human trafficking and minors.

Taking into account the location of the alleged acts, the French Court of Cassation should authorize the initiation of criminal proceedings.