A huge bang, broken entrance windows, and the sidewalk covered with glass shards were the result of an explosion on Bloemkwekersstraat in Rotterdam on the evening of April 20, 2025.
The Public Prosecution Service has today demanded prison sentences against four suspects for their involvement in the attack. The suspects are aged 20, 21, 22, and 23 and come from Krimpen aan den IJssel and Rotterdam.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, homemade camera footage, phone data, and statements from the suspects themselves provide a clear and reliable picture of the attack and the roles involved. “Police and justice remain motivated to catch the perpetrators and penetrate to the layers above, and this investigation is a striking example of that,” says the public prosecutor in court.
Roles
The 21-year-old suspect from Rotterdam acted as an illegal taxi driver and, according to the Public Prosecution Service, played a facilitating role in enabling the explosion. The 20-year-old suspect from Krimpen aan den IJssel is seen as an intermediary; he allegedly arranged for the executor of the explosion and was involved in the messy settlement of payments to the executors. A screenshot was also found on his phone indicating that the explosion was successful. The 22-year-old Rotterdammer is viewed by the Public Prosecution Service as a subcontractor. He allegedly provided the explosive, the address of the target, and the financial settlement. He would also have made money from it himself. The 23-year-old Rotterdammer is seen as the highest in rank. He had a central role, gave instructions to other suspects, and pulled the strings. He is also suspected of money laundering.
In addition to these four suspects, there is a fifth suspect who is said to be responsible for placing the explosive. His case will be handled later because he is a minor.
Insecurity
“All suspects knew exactly what they were doing and what an explosion could cause. They did not care. The only thing the suspects were concerned about was making a few hundred euros. They did not stop to consider the danger and feelings of intimidation and insecurity. All suspects played an indispensable role in the chain to make the explosion succeed, which I hold against them heavily,” said the public prosecutor in court.
Demand
Why the explosion went off is not entirely clear to the Public Prosecution Service. According to an involved party, the explosion was supposed to be retaliation for a previous explosion. One of the suspects has also confirmed this. Considering everything, the Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentences ranging from 24 to 36 months, often with probation supervision.
