A man fakes 10 car accidents to extort drivers.
A 39-year-old man is facing charges of falsifying at least 10 traffic accidents in order to extort money from victims. Rambo N. is accused of faking accidents in several areas, including Utrecht, Maarsen, and Driebergen, between 2023 and 2024.
The public prosecutor recommended a prison sentence of seven months, with a suspension of 195 days of the penalty. This means he does not need to return to prison, having spent more than two weeks in pre-trial detention. In addition, the public prosecutor requested 120 hours of community service, along with 40 hours remaining from a previous sentence.
The public prosecutor stated that N.'s method was similar in all incidents. It is alleged that he used different vehicles such as a car, scooter, or bicycle to create the impression of a collision. When the victims stop, they notice scratches on their cars, but they rarely feel any actual impact. Many victims reported feeling threatened due to N.'s actions, which included loud demands for money and aggressive gestures. In several cases, hundreds of euros were paid.
While the public prosecutor described these crimes as "extremely serious" and contributing to social instability, it also acknowledged that N. has started to rebuild his life. The prosecutor said, "If he goes to prison, he risks losing everything he has recently built." However, the prosecutor warned that if N. commits another crime, he will face prison as a deterrent punishment.
In court, N. admitted to "scratching some cars," but added that he doesn't remember much about that time. He explained that he was facing personal issues at that time, including strained relationships with his children, exploitation by family members, as well as struggles with alcohol and drugs. Several victims were shocked by N.'s defense. One of them said: "Later, I was surprised at how easily I was forced to pay 350 euros." The victim added: "I am now richer in experience but poorer in illusions."
This is not the first time that N. appears in court. At the beginning of last year, he was convicted of vandalism and assault, and he has several previous convictions on his record. The court is scheduled to issue its ruling on August 28.