The suspect came into view when he was checked by the police and had heavy illegal fireworks in his trunk. Further investigation of his phone revealed that he had been involved in the explosion in Leiden a few days earlier.

On his phone was a photo of the explosive used on the back seat, a video of the street in question just before the explosion, and a video of the explosion itself. He also had a conversation via Snapchat the next day about apparently a new job: I also went yesterday for 1. I received 1500 euros.

Next Job

The Public Prosecution Service sees the suspect as an accomplice to the explosion. He at least drove and brought the explosive. And he made the videos.

The public prosecutor noted in court that it was concerning that the suspect apparently was not shocked or did not learn from the explosion. On the contrary, he was apparently already ready for the next job. He asked where he could pick up his money and spoke with another about a new job. Upon his arrest, even heavier fireworks were found in his trunk. This can be classified as explosives, and the suspect claims he had to deliver them for 500 euros.

Money as a Motive

The explosion took place within a series of violent incidents following a rip deal of 1400 kilos of cocaine in Belgium. The suspect is not blamed for that. However, he is criticized for so easily allowing himself to be used for such jobs, without considering the consequences or having any notion of why he is actually doing this. The suspect uses it as a business model and has only money as a motive.

The Public Prosecution Service demanded 42 months in prison, of which 14 are conditional. The court will rule in two weeks.

In the investigation into the wave of violence, a total of 30 suspects have been arrested. They are each prosecuted for their own involvement in the violence. The Public Prosecution Service previously published an overview of the cases, suspects, and hearings.