Niels Högel: The Nurse Who Became Germany’s Deadliest Serial Killer

Niels Högel is considered one of the most prolific serial killers in modern European history. Unlike traditional criminals, he operated within hospitals, abusing his position as a nurse to deliberately induce cardiac arrest in patients, later attempting resuscitation to appear heroic.

Between 2000 and 2005, dozens of unexplained deaths occurred under his watch. Investigations later revealed systemic failures, ignored warnings, and administrative silence. His crimes led to major reforms in German hospital oversight.

This case remains a haunting example of how authority and trust can be fatally misused.