Extortionist terrorizing Groningen villages arrested

The police solved more than 20 cases of extortion with the arrest of a 35 year old suspect from the municipality of Borger-Odoorn. The suspected extorted more than 40 thousand euros from his victims. On Saturday, February 28th, the police received a report of an assault in Stadskanaal. The 26 year old victim was severely beaten and forced to give his attacker money. This attack put the 35 year old suspect on the police's radar. The police immediately launched an extensive investigation and quickly realized that the extortionist had several victims in Stadskanaal and Musselkanaal. The police questioned all of the victims. Their investigation showed that the suspect extorted his victims with violence, threats of violence and even kidnapping. He also threatened his victims relatives. The suspect made use of weapons and other people. More than 20 victims eventually came forward. The suspect extorted more than 40 thousand euros from the victims. The suspect was arrested in Stadskanaal in late March. He was recently arraigned by the magistrate, who ruled that he will await his trial in custody. The police did not find any of the stolen money and believe that it was spent on drugs. The investigation is still ongoing and the police expect to arrest and question more suspects. The file will be sent to the Public Prosecutor as soon as the investigation is complete.