Kidnappers for hire: Police arrest five Amsterdammers tied to abduction gang
Dutch police have arrested five suspects in connection with the violent abduction of a 21-year-old man in Amsterdam last October. Authorities believe the group is linked to multiple kidnappings and violent crimes in the city. Officers detained five men, all residents of Amsterdam, aged 18 to 23. The arrests took place in the early hours of Feb. 3, 2025. Raids were conducted at seven locations—six in Amsterdam and one in Almere.
The abduction occurred on the evening of Oct. 1, 2024, in Amsterdam-Oost. According to police, three men forced the victim into a white van, using extreme violence, police reported.
Multiple witnesses immediately called emergency services. Later that night, officers found the victim in a different part of the city. He had been severely beaten.
Investigators traced the crime to a group suspected of carrying out kidnappings for hire. Authorities believe some members were also involved in a previous case where another victim was tortured before being released near his home. Police have not disclosed further details about that incident.
During the searches, police seized multiple items, including three firearms, a fake gun, a stun gun, explosives, a vehicle, tens of thousands of euros in cash, and high-end clothing. Investigators also confiscated data storage devices, which will be analyzed for further evidence.
Authorities believe the suspects may be connected to additional violent crimes. One suspect was released after questioning, but the other four appeared before a magistrate and remain in custody. The court ordered them to be held for at least 14 more days while the investigation continues.
