From NLTimes
Rotterdam police arrest man linked to major
U.S. online child sex abuse, extortion case
Police in the Netherlands arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with an American investigation alleging widespread sexual abuse of children and blackmailing those victims to perpetuate the abuse. Rotterdam district police arrested the man at a home in Spijkenisse, Zuid-Holland, on Monday, police said in a public statement issued two days later.
The case was described as being a "large-scale" investigation led by U.S. authorities. It involves "several underage victims" of an extortion plot, but details about the locations of those victims were not released. Police also would not state the number of known victims, saying it is possible that investigators will also identify more victims.
The dates of the alleged offenses have yet to be disclosed. "In the interest of the investigation and the privacy of the victims, no more details can be given at this time," police said. Police did define sextortion as the use of sexual content to further blackmail a victim, often for money, or more sexually explicit photos and video.
The suspect will be brought before an examining magistrate on Thursday. During the hearing, the suspect may be remanded to a jail for up to 14 days while the investigation continues. After that, judges at a district court can opt to imprison the suspect for successive periods of pre-trial detention, each lasting a maximum of 90 days, if charged with a crime domestically.
Terms of the U.S. extradition treaty with the Netherlands calls for the country asking for a suspect's arrest to formally request extradition within 60 days or risk that suspect being released from custody. Generally, provisional arrests on behalf of another country may last no longer than 20 days in the Netherlands without a formal extradition request.
Extradition has to be approved by the Minister of Justice if the suspect consents to extradition. A suspect who fights extradition will first be brought before a district court, and that ruling may be challenged to the Supreme Court. The Minister of Justice still has approve compliance with an extradition request, and that decision can be appealed to the Council of State.
Dutch police encouraged anyone who believes they were the victim of online sexual abuse, sextortion, blackmail or intimidation to contact authorities. They said victims who feel ashamed should not feel as though they are guilty of a crime. The victims often feel as if they are "alone in the world," suffering from stress, and without a way to end an ongoing situation. "If you have become a victim, you are not alone. Extortion and intimidation are criminally punishable, always disclose these incidents, and it is best to file a report.
"It is best to contact the police immediately if there is still contact with the suspect," police said in advice to victims. It is also important to keep as much evidence as possible, like screenshots of images, threats, and the blackmailer's name, user name and email address. "Did you transfer money? Then let the bank know what happened so that they can also start an investigation."
Rotterdam police searching for man in sexual assaults of six women since November
Police in Rotterdam released photos of a man suspected of sexually assaulting six women in public in the city since halfway through November. Three of the women have already pressed charges in the case, and women were being asked to remain particularly cautious especially in central and northern neighborhoods.
"It is possible that more women have fallen victim to the man, but have not reported it to the police," police said on Thursday.
"The incidents took place on public roads in the area of Rotterdam Centrum and Rotterdam Noord. The sexual assaults mainly happened during busy nightlife periods during late night hours and early in the morning."
He was described as being a Dutch-speaking man between 25 and 40 years of age who was riding a bicycle at the time of the incidents. He has dark eyes, and his eyebrows, hair, moustache and beard were also described as being dark in color. He was also seen wearing dark clothing, including a hooded puffer jacket from North Face.
He speaks Dutch, but does he have an accent?
"The police are currently busy with the investigation. To this end, we are reviewing various camera images, speaking to witnesses and conducting extra patrols with officers on the streets." Authorities said that they were also working to catch the suspect using measures which might not be visible to the public.
Police are also concerned that there may be more victims, and have asked them to come forward. Likewise, any witnesses should also contact investigators.
The issue was briefly referenced in a police statement issued at the late afternoon as New Year's Eve festivities were about to get underway. Police at the time warned of "an increase in sexual assaults" in those two Rotterdam districts.
"The police are calling on women to be extra alert in this area at these times and to call 112 in case of suspicious situations," authorities said at the time.
Police refined their call on Thursday, saying everyone should be alert for suspicious situations, regardless of gender. "This call was made in this way because all victims in this case are women."
Groningen mayor forced to resign after claims
he was caught masturbating in his car
Koen Schuiling was forced to resign as mayor of Groningen by the Minister of Interior Affairs Judith Uitermark, NOS reported. The ministry was set to suspend Schuilding if he did not announce his departure by October. This came after the former mayor was fined for allegedly masturbating in public.
The 65-year-old Schuiling announced his resignation in September. He stated that he did not have the energy to perform his duties, mentioning the toll the gas extraction files and asylum seeker measures took on him. But it soon became apparent that this was not the sole reason.
A criminal case, which led to Schuiling being issued a fine of 250 euros that he disputes, is allegedly related to masturbation in public, but this is not clear as of yet. “In March 2024, I was driving my car alone. Due to my medical situation, I suddenly had severe abdominal pain. An attempt to combat the pain was interpreted as offensive by another road user. Of course, that was not the case,” Schuiling said about the incident in September.
Dagblad van Het Noorden has obtained documents from the justice department that stated that Schuiling has been reported for inappropriate behavior in his car on two previous occasions, in October 2023 and February 2024. The mayor was not summoned for those two previous cases. Schuiling maintains that all three cases are based on a misunderstanding.
Schuiling is now appealing a fine that the Public Prosecution Service gave him. The case will be heard by the magistrate in Zwolle on Wednesday.
The former mayor stated that the fine was not the reason for his resignation but did admit that it sped up the process. He did not do any departure interviews as “they would only be about this incident,” a spokesperson said at the time.
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