Snapchat Extortionist Caught in the Act in Amsterdam-Zuid

At around 3:35 PM, a boy was assaulted at Museumplein following an earlier threat via Snapchat. The boy received serious blows, was threatened, and was injured.

Arrest
At around 4:50 PM, officers tracked down the suspect and arrested him on Joh. M. Coenenstraat in Amsterdam-Zuid. The suspect has been taken to a detention center and interrogated. On Friday, January 31, 2025, the court decided that he would remain in custody longer.”

Many Reports
In recent weeks, the police have received numerous reports from young people who have become victims of extortion via Snapchat. This mainly occurs among students in Amsterdam-Zuid, but there have also been signals from Amstelveen, Amsterdam-East, and West. The investigation is looking into this and is eager to contact the young victims.

Fine
Young people are approached via Snapchat and told that they must pay a ‘fine’ because they have supposedly bothered an unknown person. This often involves amounts of several hundred euros. If the amount is not paid, there are threats to harm the victim or their close surroundings. Additionally, there are reports that young people are told they will receive a ‘discount’ on their fine if they provide the names of other young people who can then be extorted.

Filing a Report
The police are currently investigating these cases and would like to contact victims of this method of extortion. They also want to hear from victims who are fearful or hesitant to file a report, to discuss the possibilities together. It is possible to file a report under an address other than the home address.

Anonymous
If anyone has seen or heard anything that could help the investigation, please report it via 0900-8844 or anonymously via 0800-7000.