Dutch authorities suspect Karim Bouyakhrichan, a Moroccan citizen on Interpol’s most wanted list, of plotting to abduct or kill Princess Catharina-Amalia, heir apparent to the Dutch throne, and Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Bouyakhrichan was arrested in Marbella, Spain, in January after a years-long manhunt. The suspect also faced money laundering charges in Spain, leading to his remand in custody.
However, a Malaga provincial court released Bouyakhrichan on bail in February, prompting outrage from Dutch security services. Despite strong opposition from the prosecutor’s office, the regional judge allowed Bouyakhrichan’s release on condition that he surrender his passport and appear in court every 15 days. Bouyakhrichan has not been seen since April 1 and is believed to have fled Spain.
A lapse by the Malaga Provincial Court, which declined to execute a Dutch extradition order, allowed Bouyakhrichan to evade extradition. A new extradition request was filed by Amsterdam, with Spain’s High Court in Madrid approving it. However, a Madrid judge failed to issue a detention order to ensure Bouyakhrichan’s extradition, leading to his release.
The incident has been met with disbelief and anger in the Netherlands, with security sources describing it as an “unforgivable error.” Princess Amalia was forced to leave her student campus in 2022 due to credible threats from the Moroccan mafia. Prime Minister Rutte is also believed to be on Bouyakhrichan’s kill list.
