The investigation began in August 2023 with a denunciation from the former BD production assistant. The latter indicated to the Antwerp police that the actor RDB had sent him material showing sexual violence against minors. A friend of BD’s had accidentally come across the images on his mobile phone and prompted him to go to the police. RDB was questioned two days later and admitted to having viewed images of sexual violence against minors with BD. During further investigation, disturbing information regarding Sven Pichal emerged.
Searches followed and the former radio presenter’s computer equipment was seized. More than a hundred photos and videos of sexual violence against minors were found on his phone and another 35 files were found on his laptop. The defendant’s internet searches showed that he was trying to obtain this type of content. According to statements from BD and RDB, Sven Pichal also distributed the images in his possession, but no trace of these exchanges has been found.
“The unfulfilled fantasies exchanged in chats are very disturbing, but are not punishable. However, they say a lot about the man in front of us and his problems,” commented the public prosecutor. The legal expert who examined the former radio host concluded that he suffered from hypersexuality, had deviant fantasies and admitted to being aroused by minors. According to the expert, the appearance of sexual problems predates that of Sven Pichal’s drug addiction, but the latter reinforced his inhibition. Both problems are serious and require more intensive treatment than the defendant is currently receiving, the expert added.
During its requisitions, the prosecution nevertheless retained the clean criminal record of the fifty-year-old, his confession showing the beginnings of awareness and the smooth progress of his conditional release. “Sven Pichal realizes, recognizes and knows that he is guilty,” said the defense, who pleaded guilty across the board. “Realizing, recognizing and knowing is the beginning of all healing.”
Belgium
