The case revolves around the spectacular and extremely violent chase that started in Amsterdam-Noord and ended in a meadow in Broek in Waterland.
‘Exceptional brutality’
According to the court, it was a ‘robbery of exceptional brutality’, in which more than fourteen million euros in precious metals were stolen and employees of the security transport were tied up and threatened.
After the robbery at Schöne Edelmetaal in Amsterdam in May 2021, the perpetrators fled in three cars. During the chase they repeatedly fired at the police with automatic weapons. In Broek in Waterland, part of the loot was transferred to other vehicles, while shots were again fired at officers.
When the police jammed the getaway cars, several suspects ran into the meadow. They were eventually arrested there. One man died after being hit by a police bullet. Two others initially managed to escape, but were later arrested abroad and extradited. More than four million euros of the loot is still missing.
Higher and lower penalties
The court, like the court, believes that heavy sentences are justified because the robbery was extremely violent and carefully prepared, including the use of automatic weapons.
On appeal, the seven suspects were sentenced to prison terms of between 9.5 years (9 years and 6 months) and 15.5 years (15 years and 6 months). At first instance, the court imposed sentences of 10 to 15 years. This means that the lowest penalty has been slightly lower, while the highest penalty has actually been increased. In both cases, the Public Prosecution Service demanded sentences of up to 18 years in prison.
With the high prison sentences, the court not only wants to offer retribution, but also to make it clear that anyone who uses this type of violence can count on a harsh response from the judge.
Watch a reconstruction of the robbery below.