Lawyer: Threats to Amsterdam official accused of selling data to criminals intensify

Threats against Amsterdam municipal official Jim B., 48, who is suspected of corruption and complicity in acts of violence, have “intensified considerably" in the past weeks. His relatives and acquaintances have also allegedly been threatened by phone and out on the streets. This was said by his lawyer, Mark Teurlings, during the opening of the substantive hearing in the criminal case against B. and two co-defendants.

B. is suspected of having sold license plate numbers, citizen service numbers (BSNs), addresses, and other sensitive data during his tenure as a municipal officer.

The data he sold was allegedly used in at least 95 violent cases, including 36 explosions, two attempted murders or manslaughters, one kidnapping, 14 threatening or bullet letters, and eight shootings at private residences. B. is said to have received 50 per sale, which he denies.

At a previous hearing, B. had indicated that he is eager to answer the court’s questions himself. According to the lawyer, following those remarks, threats against him have intensified.

Given the threats, the lawyer said that B. will remain silent and that his statement will instead be presented during the lawyer’s closing argument. This is being done “out of fear that harm would be done to his loved ones,” the lawyer said.