Man who fled to Moldova convicted of rape

A 30-year-old man has been convicted of rape after he fled to Moldova and a trial took place in his absence.

On the night of December 19, 2020, Victor Braga, previously of Drydale Avenue, Northampton, raped a woman inside a flat in Semilong.

During the attack, Braga pinned the woman to a bed and despite her repeatedly telling him she didn’t want sex, he proceeded to rape her.

Following the incident, the woman bravely called Northamptonshire Police and an investigation was launched which involved numerous lines of enquiry.

Braga was identified as the suspect, arrested for the offence and charged with one count of rape. He appeared at Northampton Crown Court on December 14, 2022, where he pleaded not guilty to the offence and was bailed to return to court in late 2023 for a trial.

However, in that time Braga managed to flee the country and is currently believed to be in Moldova.

A trial took place in his absence which ended last week (December 13) with the jury taking just one hour to convict him. He was sentenced on the same day to seven years and six months in prison.

Police officers are now working to ensure he returns to this country to serve his sentence.

Lead investigator - Detective Sergeant Andrea Taylor said: “First of all, I want to commend the woman in this case for her courage. This has been a very complex investigation which was delayed a number of times and her strength throughout has been incredible as well as inspiring. 

“No one should have had to go through what she did, and although nothing can ever erase those memories, I hope the conclusion of this case provides her with some sense of closure. She has a bright future ahead of her and I know she can achieve great things.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is something we’re very passionate about at Northamptonshire Police and we will continue to do everything we can to protect people and bring offenders to justice.”

*This report has been released with the support of the survivor, who has the legal right to lifelong anonymity*

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk.

We will believe you.

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity or call Serenity on 01604 601713.

Serenity provides free, confidential 24/7 support.

You can also visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965.

Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.