Kempenaar Group Member Granted Release with Restrictions Pending Trial

A member of the alleged ‘Kempenaar Group’ from Lelystad, Netherlands, has been temporarily released from custody with conditions, including an ankle monitor and a ban on contacting co-suspects. Matien H., 21, was granted permission by a judge to obtain his driver’s license, with his lawyer arguing it would improve his employment prospects. The decision came during a hearing where H. Was absent due to illness, represented by his legal counsel.

Criminal Allegations

The Public Prosecution Service suspects the ‘Kempenaar Group’ – consisting of Ario S. (22), Matien H. (21), Guillermo U. (19) and Mohammed A. (21) – of a series of crimes including burglaries, firearm possession, threats, robberies, drug trafficking, and recruiting minors for criminal activities. The group allegedly operated from a care home occupied by a vulnerable, elderly woman in Lelystad’s Ravelijn district, exploiting her and using the property as a base of operations. Omroep Flevoland reports that the group would gather at the residence, disable their phones, and change clothes before committing burglaries.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Resident

Authorities allege the group exploited the elderly woman living in the care home, verbally abusing her, confiscating her phone, and using physical violence. They are as well accused of using her mobility scooter and sleeping in her home without permission. Flevo Media details these allegations.

Current Status of Suspects

While Matien H. Has been granted temporary release with restrictions, the other suspects remain in custody. Mohammed A. (22) also sought release but was denied, with the court stating it was not advisable given the ongoing investigation. Guillermo U. (19) is currently in custody for a separate robbery of a taxi driver that occurred on January 21st in Lelystad, in addition to alleged involvement in three burglaries linked to the ‘Kempenaar Group’. De Stentor reports on the current detention status of the suspects.

Ongoing Investigation

The Public Prosecutor has stated that unrest remains in the Kempen area, a point of contention for Ario S. (22), who questioned his connection to the unrest during a recent hearing. The suspects are currently being questioned as witnesses in each other’s cases, with some invoking their right to remain silent. The substantive hearing of the case is scheduled for the autumn, with four days set aside for proceedings. Flevo Media provides updates on the trial schedule.