Snatched from the streets, lured into basements, and held captive by their own fathers - these are the grisly true stories of women and children who have suffered unspeakable abuse at the hands of depraved, sex-crazed monsters. In one of the most high-profile and disturbing cases of its kind, Austrian Josef Fritzl became globally-recognised as the notorious serial rapist who held his daughter Elisabeth captive in a basement dungeon that he built under his house before fathering seven children with her.
Many copycats have since followed in his footsteps, with several 'Fritzls' appearing across the world from Russia to Argentina, after constructing their dingy lairs and waiting to pounce on their oblivious, innocent victims.
And while several perpetrators have died or been caught following their stomach-turning atrocities, it remains impossible to know how many people could still be living in similar situations. From being imprisoned in underground bunkers aged seven, to being forced to live half-naked and shaven-headed for eight years, MailOnline has taken a look at some of the most despicable kidnapping cases in recent history.
Austrian Josef Fritzl pictured during his trial became globally-recognised as the notorious serial rapist who held his daughter Elisabeth captive in a basement dungeon that he built under his house before fathering seven children with her.
Natascha Kampusch, 10, Austria. Natascha Kampusch was kidnapped aged 10 in while walking to school on her own before spotting a suspicious man lurking by a white minivan. As she walked past him, Wolfgang Priklopil dragged her off the street and tossed her into the back of his vehicle. He dashed her to his dungeon where she would go without any light for days on end and was starved, given only small amounts of food, and suffered regular beatings at the hands of her abductor throughout the years she was locked in the cellar.
