A woman whose body was discovered 31 years ago in a river in Belgium has been recently identified, more than three decades later, due to her distinctive flower tattoo and a widespread international appeal, as announced by Interpol on Tuesday.

This global police organization, headquartered in Lyon, revealed her identity as Rita Roberts from Cardiff, Wales, and a British national.

Roberts, whose body was recovered lying against a grate in the Het Groot Schijn river in Antwerp on June 3, 1992, was noted for having a unique tattoo on her right forearm. This tattoo featured a black flower with green leaves and the inscription “R’Nick.”

She was 31 years old at the time of her discovery.

“A family member in the United Kingdom recognized the tattoo on the news and notified Interpol and Belgian authorities,” Interpol said in a statement.

The significant advancement in the case came after an international appeal on Interpol's "Identify Me" web page, where police disseminate previously undisclosed information about unresolved cases. This information, known as "Black Notices," is shared with the aim of garnering insights and tips from the general public.

Launched in May of this year, the webpage aims to assist in identifying 22 women who were found deceased in recent years across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as stated by Interpol.
Rita Roberts marks the first among these 22 victims to be successfully identified.

Contributions of information from the public have also facilitated advancements in other long-standing, unresolved cases.

Rita Roberts has been officially recognized by her family, who journeyed to Belgium to collaborate with the investigating authorities.