Suspect arrested in Philippine case

A 22-year-old man suspected of murdering Philippine, a 19-year-old student, was arrested on Tuesday 24 September at Geneva station, according to a report by Actu 17 confirmed by H24 NEWS. This arrest comes four days after the tragic discovery of the body of the young woman in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The authorities are now seeking answers to the circumstances surrounding her death.

The suspect, identified as Taha O., is of Moroccan origin and emigrated to France from Spain in 2019. At the time, he was taken in as a minor and placed under the protection of the Val-d’Oise child welfare authority. Shortly after his arrival, he was convicted of raping a 23-year-old student in Val-d’Oise, which led to a seven-year prison sentence. After serving around five years, he was released in September 2024.

An obligation to leave the country

Since 18 June 2024, Taha O. had been under an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF), a decision that had not been contested. However, administrative complications delayed his deportation to Morocco. Conditionally released, he failed to comply with his house arrest, and his name was entered in the wanted persons file.

Philippine’s disappearance had caused great concern. She had not been heard from after a lunch at Paris-Dauphine University, and her body was found a few days later, which deeply shocked the community.

With the arrest of Taha O. in Geneva, the Paris public prosecutor’s office quickly announced that an extradition request would be sent to the Swiss authorities. As soon as he returns to France, he will be questioned by investigators to shed full light on this tragic case.