Patrik Tobias Ekstrom, a Swedish businessman, faced accusations of rape and non-consensual buggery in a Hong Kong court as his trial continued into its sixth day. The alleged incident involving his domestic worker, known only as X, took place in October 2022. Ekstrom claimed that he and X had an intimate relationship ahead of the alleged rape, presenting a version of events that differed significantly from X’s testimony.
### Ekstrom’s Testimony and Allegations
Ekstrom, who runs his own company, Hong Kong Wholesale Limited, stated that he and X had engaged in sexual acts on two separate occasions in July 2022. The first incident occurred when X walked in on Ekstrom watching erotic films naked in his bedroom. Despite initial shock, Ekstrom claimed that they proceeded to engage in sexual activities, including oral sex, during which X asked for help with a loan. Ekstrom also alleged that X requested money after their encounter.
A week or two later, Ekstrom testified that X initiated another sexual encounter in the bedroom, this time involving oral and anal sex. Following this encounter, Ekstrom claimed to have given X money upon her request. These allegations contradicted X’s testimony, where she denied ever initiating sexual activity with Ekstrom and insisted that the October night’s events were entirely against her will.
### Cross-Examination and Allegations of Bribery
During the cross-examination, prosecutor Dianne Crebbin raised concerns about a HK$15,000 transfer Ekstrom made to X’s bank account after the incident. Crebbin questioned whether Ekstrom was attempting to “buy off” X to ensure her silence about the events. Ekstrom denied these allegations, stating that he was concerned about his relationship with his wife and hoped X would not disclose the incident to her.
Ekstrom defended the transfer as a “gesture of goodwill” and clarified that X had been requesting financial assistance since July 2022. He mentioned providing her with four months’ salary in advance and expressed concern about X’s financial situation. However, X denied requesting help in settling a HK$45,000 loan, asserting that Ekstrom and his wife had offered but never followed through.
### The Night of the Alleged Incident
Ekstrom recounted the events of the October night, describing how X comforted him after his family had left for Japan. He admitted to engaging in oral, vaginal, and anal sex with X but claimed to have stopped because he was not in the mood to continue. Ekstrom stated that he later decided to end the intimate relationship with X and terminate her contract, leading to a confrontation where X allegedly responded angrily.
During the prosecution’s cross-examination, Crebbin challenged Ekstrom’s version of events, suggesting that he sought to “buy” sex from X after his wife’s departure. She disputed Ekstrom’s claims of being devastated and wanting his family to return, alleging that he initiated the sexual encounter with X that night. Ekstrom denied these allegations, maintaining that it was X who initiated the sexual activities.
### Legal Ramifications and Closing Arguments
Under Hong Kong law, rape and non-consensual buggery carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment. The trial is set to resume with closing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Ekstrom and the allegations brought against him.
### Conclusion
The ongoing trial of Patrik Tobias Ekstrom in the Hong Kong court has brought to light a complex web of allegations and conflicting testimonies. The case underscores the importance of thorough investigation and legal proceedings in cases of sexual assault and misconduct. As the trial progresses, the court will weigh the evidence presented by both sides to determine the truth behind the accusations leveled against Ekstrom.
