Arrest of 8 individuals and seizure of firearms and hazardous materials
Dutch police arrested eight people suspected of belonging to a criminal network "anti-establishment" that was planning to use violence against authorities.
The detained individuals belong to what is known as "sovereign citizens," who are individuals that reject the authority of the state and official laws. During raids that included the homes of suspects, police seized firearms, ammunition, sedatives, and materials potentially used in the manufacture of explosives, as well as hazardous chemicals. Mobile phones and computers were also confiscated.
Arrests were made in several areas including Ommen, Leeuwarden, Den Bosch, and Waddinxveen, with the ages of the detainees ranging from 39 to 74 years old. They are currently held in solitary confinement awaiting a detention hearing. Investigations are still ongoing, and the police have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests in the near future.
In February, short prison sentences were issued for two "sovereign citizens" after they threatened police officers and a court enforcement officer with motives described as terrorist. These two men are known to be among the most prominent and extreme members of this group, which is estimated to number around 10,000 individuals. They often refuse to pay taxes or rents, leading to repeated confrontations with police and enforcement officers.
The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) expressed its concern in 2023 about the possibility that some members of this movement might resort to violence.