The 21-year-old victim was violently kidnapped on the evening of Tuesday, October 1, 2024, by three men in a white van in Amsterdam-East. Several witnesses immediately called 112, after which officers later found the man in the vicinity. The victim had been severely assaulted.
The investigation into the case led to a group of suspects who are believed to carry out kidnappings on behalf of others. Part of the group also seems to be involved in a previous kidnapping and torture case. In that case, a victim was also severely beaten and ultimately returned to the vicinity of their home.
The suspects were arrested on Monday morning, February 3. They are five Amsterdam residents aged between 18 and 23. During searches at seven addresses - six in Amsterdam and one in Almere - detectives seized three firearms, a replica firearm, a stun gun, several tens of thousands of euros, a car, explosives, and branded clothing.
The police do not rule out that the arrested suspects are responsible for more (violent) crimes. One suspect was released after questioning. Four suspects were brought before the examining magistrate, who has placed them in custody. They will therefore remain in custody for at least another fourteen days.