Skip to main content
Netherlands News in English

Main navigation

  • Top stories
  • Health
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Weird
  • 1-1-2
businessman
disappearance
Geurt Bagchus
kidnapping
mystery
Oog in Al
Utrecht
Thursday, 13 March 2014 - 12:58

Share this article:

Businessman feared kidnapped in Utrecht

Unrest in the city of Utrecht as 61-year old businessman Geurt Bagchus has disappeared. His possible kidnapping is causing fear for his lot, and is being investigated by police. They do not yet want to label it a crime. It is entirely unclear where Bagchus, owner of runner's shop Run-Inn, is or why he disappeared. His family reported the missing person to police, who did a thorough investigation in the neighborhood, sent around a description. Burgernet was also put to the task, and his regular haunts were searched. A shoe was found in his shop, so he could be wearing only one shoe. Geurt Bagchus is well known in his town of Oog in Al. He owns a shop selling runner's paraphernalia, is involved in the district association, and is a trainer at Hellas. He is married, and has a daughter from a previous married. The daughter refused to say anything about the incident. "I know what happened, but I don't want to share that with you." Manager of Hellas, André Hoekstra was also shocked. "He was a trainer with one of the running groups." "We are very shocked and hope that it will be resolved soon." Police have sealed the shop on the Händelstraat. An investigation has been started in the business, as Bagchus was seen there last. According to de Ondernemer, the police has also been to the Albert Heijn to look at security footage. There was a police conference on Wednesday, but no statements were made on the incident. Searches were still done on Tuesday, but seemed to have been in vain. People on Twitter are reacting with shock. Apparently, neighbors saw a pair of glasses, a shoe and a telephone on the floor of the shop floor. Moreover, a bunch of keys was in the lock at the back door of the shop. It seems that Bagchus was beaten up by a few people some time ago. The owner of a shop said he had a dispute with these people. "But he doesn't let himself get intimidated" the shop owner said. "They had a good hold on him. I don't know if that has to do with anything, but it was a coincidence. I'm afraid that more is happening than just a missing person." The community is worried. The disappearance of Bagchus is the talk of the day. They know him as a nice man. "With a passion for running", says Lex van Dorp, co-worker at Mitra. "I didn't see or hear anything. I just hope he will return soon." Karin van Santen from the clothing shop and neighbor of Run-Inn is also uneasy. "Oog in Al is like a small village. Everyone knows each other and everyone also knows Geurt. This hits us hard."

Vermist: Utrechtse ondernemer Geurt Bagchus. Iets gezien? #spoorloos #politie #oproep http://t.co/SKEpn0omcT pic.twitter.com/SLrTFGBg3m

— De Ondernemer (@De_Ondernemer) March 13, 2014

More like this

Image
Young seal swimming in Utrecht canal, 8 September 2025
Seal in Utrecht canal could stay for up to a year, expert says
Image
Businessmen talking in conference room
Freelancers in Utrecht and Noord-Brabant charge highest hourly rates in the Netherlands
Image
Boy drinking water in the summer heat
New heat intensity index debuts; Many cities still unprepared for extreme heat
Image
Double-decker intercity train arriving on Utrecht Central Station
10,000 residents enroll in Utrecht’s discount transit program for low-income residents
Make NL Times your top Google source

Follow us:

Latest stories

  • Record 38 players from Dutch clubs set for expanded World Cup
  • Wasteful Oranje punished as Algeria snatch late victory in World Cup warm-up
  • Dutch State buys medieval ring found with metal detector for €83,150
  • Rotterdam shooting suspect arrested in Spain within days of fleeing
  • Nearly 90% of Dutch dermatologists link TikTok skincare trends to patient skin problems

Top stories

  • Court rules Ye can remain in Netherlands for Arnhem performances this week
  • New A'dam coalition planning parking +tourist tax hike, free public transport for kids
  • European Commission tells Netherlands to stop extra border controls
  • Pregnant woman thrown to ground at Zeist asylum shelter was trying to ask cop a question
  • Senior Dutch virologist, colleague accused of smuggling inactive Mpox into United States

© 2012-2026, NL Times, All rights reserved.

Footer menu

  • Change Privacy Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Partner Content