15 arrested in explosive attack crackdown
A large-scale police operation across the Netherlands has resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals, ranging in age from 14 to 25, for their involvement in a series of explosive attacks. The suspects were apprehended in connection with at least seven separate explosions in Rotterdam, Zandvoort, and The Hague. According to authorities, the operation involved multiple police units from Rotterdam, Zeeland-West-Brabant, Limburg, Oost-Nederland, Amsterdam, and The Hague, aimed at sending a clear message to perpetrators of such violent acts.
The arrests come after a series of explosive incidents that included attacks on a pizzeria in Rotterdam’s Vuurplaat, a blast on Clemensstraat in Rotterdam on October 8, an explosion in Zandvoort’s Lorentzstraat on October 26, and another attack on Dordtselaan in Rotterdam on December 5, 2023. In one case, a 14-year-old suspect was detained.
Rotterdam Police’s Excessive Violence Portfolio Holder Wim Hoek explained that, although the investigations were largely unrelated, authorities decided to conduct a coordinated operation on a single day in order to disrupt these criminal activities. "We want to send a clear signal to perpetrators of bombings: you will not get away with this," Hoek stated.
In a significant development, one of the suspects is believed to have been involved in a bombing at Laan van Deelen in The Hague. This particular case intensified after a police search uncovered an explosive device in the trunk of a rental car on August 27, leading investigators to two individuals connected to the explosion. To date, authorities have already arrested eight people for their involvement in this case, with two more taken into custody during the recent operation.
The police operation has also led to the seizure of two firearms, a brass knuckle, large sums of money, designer clothing and footwear, a luxury watch, and two vehicles during subsequent searches.
Multiple suspects were apprehended in early-morning raids, with specialized arrest teams being deployed to ensure safety. "If an arrest is considered risky, for example, due to the presence of explosives or firearms, we send the arrest team. Being detained by them is no light matter, but placing an explosive is a serious crime," said Hoek.
Authorities have also raised concerns over the increasing number of explosive incidents, which reached a record 1,244 in 2023. This marked a significant rise from the previous year, when the figure stood at 901. Explosive attacks, involving houses, businesses, and vehicles, have been a growing issue in both large cities and smaller towns across the country. Police have identified various motives behind these acts, including criminal disputes, neighborhood conflicts, and personal relationship issues.
Hoek highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement, noting that, despite efforts to arrest suspects, the frequency of such attacks has not decreased. “For every perpetrator we apprehend, new ones are ready to take their place,” he stated, underscoring the persistence of the problem among certain youth groups.
In Rotterdam, the number of arrests for explosive-related crimes has been particularly high. In 2024, authorities detained 106 individuals, up from 76 the previous year. Police investigations have also shed light on individuals who facilitate these acts, including those who give orders to the perpetrators.
Despite the police's success in identifying and apprehending suspects, Hoek expressed frustration over the persistence of these crimes. “It’s discouraging. We see a significant willingness among young people to commit these offenses. We arrest one person, and others are already waiting to take their place," he said.
Additionally, the consequences of such crimes can be severe, with Hoek pointing out the significant legal and personal risks involved. “You’ll lose your phone for the investigation, and it may never be returned. The damage will be held against you, potentially costing thousands of euros. If convicted, you’ll have a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences, especially in securing employment.”
Hoek also stressed the dangers of explosive-related offenses, particularly for the perpetrators themselves. "We often see footage of young people who have no idea what they’re dealing with and end up injuring themselves, sometimes severely. The use of homemade bombs that detonate too soon is a common danger."
Several serious incidents have already occurred. In Purmerend, a 16-year-old sustained serious injuries after an explosion, while a 23-year-old man died in The Hague last year when an explosive he was handling detonated. Hoek described these events as “near-misses” that could have resulted in even greater harm.
The police also urge parents to be vigilant in recognizing potential signs of involvement in such criminal activities. "If your child is out late, their clothes smell of gasoline, or they suddenly have money for expensive items with no clear source, these could be signs of involvement in explosive-related crimes,” Hoek advised.
The police have called on the wider community to work together in combating the rise of these crimes, highlighting the impact they have on victims, their families, and society at large.
