Groningen man faces prison and ban for impersonating paramedic, police officer, and firefighter
A 22-year-old Groningen resident could face 15 months in prison and a five-year professional ban for posing as emergency service personnel, endangering lives and undermining public trust. His actions included providing fake medical care and directing traffic during an accident.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Age | 22 years old |
| Location | Groningen, Netherlands |
| Charges | 20 criminal offenses (2022–2025) |
| Impersonated Roles | Ambulance paramedic, police officer, firefighter |
| Prison Sentence Demand | 15 months (8 suspended) |
| Professional Ban | 5 years (healthcare, police, ambulance, firefighting roles) |
| Key Incidents | Directed traffic on Ring Groningen, provided fake medical care |
| Stolen Items | Ambulance uniform, AED, medical bags, walkie-talkies, women’s clothing |
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses in the Netherlands, ensuring accountability for actions that endanger public safety. In this case, the OM is highlighting the risks posed by impersonating emergency service personnel, which erodes trust in critical public services.
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Read the full translated article below
Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentence and professional ban for fake paramedic from Groningen
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) in Northern Netherlands has demanded a 15-month prison sentence (eight of which are suspended) and a five-year professional ban against a 22-year-old man from Groningen. He is suspected of committing as many as twenty criminal offenses between 2022 and 2025. These offenses stem from the fact that he falsely posed as an ambulance paramedic, police officer, and/or firefighter.
The man from Groningen drove vehicles that were indistinguishable from the real ones at a distance. The criminal acts range from stealing an ambulance uniform to embezzling walkie-talkies, an AED, and medical bags from the Red Cross. The OM also suspects him of handling stolen goods, including women’s clothing.
Ring Groningen
According to the prosecutor, the suspect has also, in recent years, possessed a fake police ID, driven with sirens when not permitted, and issued false statements and exemptions.
The OM states that the suspect, posing as a police officer, even directed traffic following an accident on the Ring Groningen. He closed off part of the road and wore an official police vest.
Fake ambulance
He is also accused of posing as an ambulance paramedic while driving a vehicle that strongly resembled an ambulance, despite lacking the necessary qualifications. At one point, he provided medical assistance to a woman who had fallen at a bus stop.
He examined her, recorded his findings, and gave medical advice. According to the prosecutor, this could have gone very wrong: “In this situation, there was enough time to call in professional medical help. (...) His actions could have caused physical harm and thus seriously endangered the victim’s health.”
Deplorable and risky
In such situations, the real emergency services should always be called. They are the professionals and therefore have recognizable uniforms, ID badges, and vehicles. “This way, the public can quickly identify who they are dealing with and know they can expect good, professional help and care,” says the prosecutor in the Groningen court. “By his actions, the suspect undermines the trust people have in emergency services. Just like with fake police officers, it makes people question whether they are dealing with a real responder. That is deplorable.”
In addition to being deplorable, the prosecutor also considers it risky. “You wouldn’t want to imagine finding yourself in a vulnerable position and having the suspect treat you. That is exactly what happened to multiple people in this case.”
The suspect claims he only meant well and did what he thought was necessary. The OM strongly disagrees: “His lack of insight into the wrongfulness and criminal nature of his actions is deeply concerning.”
No accountability
The man takes no responsibility for his actions. In fact, he denies in court that he did anything wrong. The prosecutor considers this a serious matter. “This is certainly not something you do by accident. By forging documents, badges, exemptions, and statements, you are deliberately deceiving people.”
Professional ban
In addition to the prison sentence and a driving ban, the prosecutor is demanding a five-year professional ban. The suspect would be prohibited from performing any actions in the field of individual healthcare or carrying out duties reserved for police officers, ambulance personnel, or firefighters.
The Northern Netherlands court will announce the verdict in this case after the substantive hearing.