Norwegian police have filed new charges against former Frosta doctor Arne Bye. The Trøndelag police district announced the development in a press release.
Prosecutor Ole Andreas Aftret stated the charges describe 33 rape offenses of varying character. For five victims, Bye faces additional charges of abusing his professional position alongside rape allegations. One victim has charged him with position abuse not connected to sexual assault.
Bye also faces charges for producing child sexualization material. The prosecutor explained this involves filming a minor during a medical examination.
Being charged means prosecutors consider criminal activity more likely than not, Aftret clarified. He emphasized charges don't constitute guilt determinations but reflect current probability assessments.
Police began investigating these cases in December. Authorities previously identified 34 victims in their investigation, though only 16 remain in the new charging document.
Some cases dropped due to statute of limitations expiration. Others lacked evidence meeting legal standards for rape or abuse of power charges. Some evidence situations remained unclear.
Investigators recently searched Bye's vacation properties in Levanger. They found nothing during these searches.
The timing connected to police finally processing massive digital evidence seized earlier this year. They specifically sought pre-2016 footage.
Prosecutors seek extended custody until Bye's appeal hearing begins November 26. A detention meeting is scheduled for Monday.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in prosecuting historical abuse cases within medical settings, where power imbalances can complicate evidence collection and victim testimony.