Suspect arrested in Arnhem arson case has long history of causing disturbance
The 57-year-old man arrested for arson in the center of Arnhem has long been known to local authorities for causing serious disturbances. Sources confirmed to NOS that he has repeatedly been involved in incidents leading to significant disruption in the area.
The man, identified as Koert H., was arrested on Saturday along with two other men, aged 41 and 30, in connection with the fire. A local resident, who witnessed the arrest, recognized two of the men. Among them was Koert H., the owner and resident of the home where the arrest took place. He is known in the neighborhood for causing frequent disturbances.
Surveillance footage from the night of the fire shows the three men arriving at a house on Looierstraat, not far from the fire location, in an intoxicated state. The footage, reviewed by NOS, shows them kicking the door and loudly singing. A nearby resident had called the police shortly before the fire was reported, about 15 minutes after the disturbance.
The neighborhood has faced ongoing issues stemming from Koert H.'s residence. According to one neighbor who spoke with NOS, H. purchased the property in 2023 following a divorce. Soon after, loud music, shouting, and hostile behavior toward neighbors and business owners became frequent. The building's shared stairwell was reportedly used for public urination and defecation, and it became a regular gathering place for drug users.
Authorities had already been monitoring H. and intervened several times in 2023. After fines failed to improve the situation, the mayor issued an order for H. to leave the property for ten days that August. A local spokesperson confirmed to Omroep Gelderland that during this period, 12 people were found sleeping on mattresses in the living room.
Despite these measures, the disturbances continued when H. returned to the property. In 2024, he was issued another eviction, this time lasting several months, which was later extended. A different neighbor stated that the municipality had been very proactive in managing the situation. "The city did everything it could to keep control of the situation, but eventually it became a drug den."
Koert H. returned to the property in January 2025, and the two other men, aged 41 and 30, have also been seen frequenting the residence.
The police have since closed off the property. However, law enforcement has declined to provide further details on the investigation, and the Public Prosecution Service also stated that no additional information would be available while the investigation is ongoing.
