Shock at a daycare in Amsterdam: suspicion of a substitute teacher in child abuse and taking sexual photos
A 66-year-old substitute worker from Almere is suspected of sexually abusing two children at a daycare center in Amsterdam and of creating child sexual abuse images involving 13 children, according to the Openbaar Ministerie (OM) (Public Prosecution Service).
The OM said most of the images involved nude photos that did not show sexual acts. Authorities did not announce the arrest earlier to allow police to conduct a thorough investigation without interference.
Amsterdam police arrested the suspect at his home in Almere on November 26 after the father of a 2-year-old girl reported that the man sexually assaulted his child at the daycare. Police allege the substitute picked the girl up and indecently touched her.
The OM said the incident took place on November 20, the man’s first day working as a substitute at the daycare center. The daycare ended its relationship with him immediately after learning about the allegation.
Following the arrest, police searched the suspect’s home and seized data storage devices. Over the past three months, investigators have reviewed the material and worked to identify the children involved.
Police said they also found evidence that the suspect sexually assaulted a 13-year-old boy in January 2024 when the child was in his care. Investigators believe he took nude photos of the 13-year-old, the 2-year-old girl, and two other children—a 3-year-old boy and a baby—while three of them lived in Amsterdam and one lived in Almere.
In addition, police identified nine more child victims, and the OM said the investigation into those cases is still ongoing. Authorities stated they currently have no indications of additional victims, collaboration with others, or distribution of the illegal images.
An examining magistrate questioned the suspect on November 28 and ordered him held in voorlopige hechtenis (pre-trial detention). He remains in custody, and the first preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11.