Cold-case detectives in the Netherlands are tu ing to cutting-edge technology in a bid to solve the 15-year-old murder of Be adett Szabó, a young Hungarian sex worker found brutally stabbed in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Szabó, known as Betty, was 19 when she was killed on February 19, 2009. Her body was discovered by fellow sex workers who noticed her absence and unusual silence in her room on Oudezijds Achterburgwal.

In a final attempt to gather new leads, authorities have launched a high-profile campaign, including a lifesize hologram of Szabó displayed in a window at the scene of the crime. The hologram, created with 3D visualisation technology, features Szabó’s memorable dragon tattoo and asks passersby for assistance in solving the case.

Benjamin van Gogh, coordinator of the Amsterdam wanted and missing persons team, acknowledged the novel approach, saying, “We want to do justice to Betty, her family, and the case.” He emphasized that the project was undertaken in consultation with Szabó’s family to ensure dignity and respect.

Along with the hologram, the campaign includes TV screens displaying the crime scene, a documentary, and images of Szabó alive. Detectives hope the publicity, combined with a €30,000 reward, will encourage new witnesses to come forward, especially from visitors who may have been in Amsterdam’s bustling Red Light District on the night of the murder.

Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk from the cold case team urged those who might have remained silent in the past due to fear or other reasons to now speak up. 'It’s really almost impossible that no one saw or heard something unusual at the time,' she said, stressing the importance of global witnesses, given the inte ational nature of the area.