Real-life inspiration for Netflix crime show accused of trafficking 540 kilos of cocaine

Janus van W., 63, is suspected of trafficking 540 kilos of cocaine, a court hearing in the Den Bosch court heard on Friday. The Eindhoven native gained notoriety through the Netflix series Undercover, where Frank Lammers portrays Ferry Bouman, a character inspired by him. His associate, Robert van V., 61, is likewise facing drug trafficking charges.

The two were discovered due to encrypted messages. The messages proved that they had been involved in trafficking methamphetamines, MDMA, and cocaine in 2020 and 2021.

Van W. rose to notoriety as a drug criminal beginning in the 1980s, initially dealing in hashish and later moving on to ecstasy trafficking. According to his attorney, his last encounter with the authorities came in 2014. He stated that his client has nothing to do with this case.

Van W. was not found with any drugs; only certain accounts were tied to him. “The evidence is very flimsy,” his lawyer stated, adding that anyone could have created the accounts and impersonated Van W.

The lawyer suspects that Van W.’s criminal record is being portrayed as more “impressive” due to his association with the popular Netflix series. He said that the guards in the prison want to take photos with him.

Since he was arrested in July, Van W. is said to have lost 15 kilos after having a gastric bypass surgery for esophageal cancer. The lawyer requested his client’s release, but the court did not grant this request. Authorities will review whether there are suitable grounds for a suspension.

Van V. will also remain in custody for the time being. The next court session is scheduled for December 4.