Three men faced Dutch prosecutors on August 4 over a May 1 kidnapping in Nieuw-Vennep that spiraled out of a cryptocurrency dispute. The victim was held captive in a car while attackers demanded roughly $69,000.
Investigators say the suspects threatened the man with a firearm, warning they would gouge out his eyes and cut off his fingers if he didn't pay. Court documents detail screenshots from video showing the victim stripped naked in a wooded area, subjected to humiliating abuse including urination, with threats to publish the footage as use.
The case shows how crypto disputes increasingly spill into physical violence. Extortionists have weaponized digital platforms before, but this incident shows the stakes when money and rage collide offline.
Under Dutch law, extortion through violence carries up to nine years in prison, jumping to 12 years if multiple perpetrators act together or use severe force. Unlawful detention adds eight years maximum, while hostage-taking reaches 15 years.
The lead suspect, identified as Younes B., 24, a martial arts instructor who teaches children, appeared in court denying he threatened the victim with a gun. His defense attorney argued the firearm allegation rests solely on the victim's account and claimed B. had actually invested money with the victim himself.
The court will reconvene September 8 for the next hearing. B. was released on probation pending trial.
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