Disappearance in the Netherlands
A fourteen-year-old boy has been missing for almost two weeks in the Dutch city of Apeldoorn. The police suspect that Maxim travels to Eastern Europe, Russia may be his final destination. The boy shaved his head, police said. “We assume that he has prepared well.”
Sven Van Malderen
Journalist at HLN
Source: AD
Maxim has been missing since April 18. Maxim left by bike around noon that Saturday. The police soon suspected that he traveled in the direction of Twente and then headed towards Germany.
Poland and even Russia are now also on the radar. He may still travel by bicycle, but he may also use another means of transport. No major searches are currently taking place abroad because it is not clear where Maxim is now. His description has now been circulated.
“We are really concerned”
In the Netherlands, Maxim’s photo was shared with the outside world on April 19. “We really don’t just do that. It shows that we are really concerned and that we can use all the help,” a police spokesperson explained.
When Maxim was last seen, he was wearing black sneakers, a black jacket and Nike sweatpants. He also had a red or orange backpack with him. The boy is between 1.50 and 1.60 meters tall and left on a gray women’s bicycle from the Stella brand. He has now shaved his head and had “little or nothing with him” when he left.
No Amber Alert has been issued. The police previously indicated that they had no indications that Maxim had become the victim of a crime. An Amber Alert is only issued in acute danger to life, according to the police.
Searches
Since his disappearance, several searches have been launched. For example, at the request of the family, a search was conducted for him in and around Apeldoorn on Tuesday April 21 and Wednesday April 22. The actions were carried out by SAR (Search and Rescue) Netherlands, a professional investigation organization that responds to missing persons.
The search included vacant buildings and forest areas. The search teams hoped to find Maxim’s bicycle, but they were unable to find it.
Maxim’s family recently released a statement. His parents hoped to be able to “hold him back in their arms soon.” “They appreciate the support they receive from family and friends. They have good contact with the police and call on anyone who has a tip to pass it on to the police,” it said.
