Alleged arms dealer of Limburg Bandidos died
February 18, 2024

The court in Maastricht ended the criminal case against alleged arms dealer Johan K. (42) from Geleen on Friday. The man who, according to justice, was the kingpin in international arms trade and had close ties with motorcycle club Bandidos, died a year ago. That's what De Limburger writes .

Formality
K. passed away on February 22, 2023. According to his lawyer Bart Welvaart, due to cardiac arrest. Johan K.'s lawyer was in court in Maastricht on Friday to 'assist' his client. Due to the death of car dealer K., his prosecution was canceled, but the hearing still had to go ahead to formally conclude the case. Lawyer Welvaart calls it 'incomprehensible that this case has been at a standstill for so long'.

Seizure
In 2015, the judiciary seized K's cars and luxury goods. He is said to have earned approximately 900,000 euros in criminal assets and the judiciary wants that money back. Because the suspect has died and his case has ended, the heirs are entitled to the seized items.

Action day
Johan K. was arrested on May 27, 2015 with fourteen Bandidos members during a major action against motorcycle clubs in Limburg. According to the Public Prosecution Service, K. was the kingpin in the international arms trade. The car dealer was not a member of the motorcycle club, but is said to have close ties with members of the Bandidos.

Weapons arsenal
K. was associated with five rocket launchers, seven Kalashnikovs, nine machine guns, 30 small arms, two riot guns, two hand grenades and ammunition found during the action . The weapons were found in garages in Geleen, registered in the name of K.

Trailer camp
He is also said to be involved in a drug lab, which was found at the caravan camp in Geleen. K. lived at that trailer park. Johan K. is said to have good contacts with William V. and Marco H. , two leaders of the Bandidos. The weapons that K. would supply to the Bandidos would be sold on, among other things, by members of the motorcycle club.

Phone taps
The Bandidos who were arrested in the action, including president Harrie Ramakers , were suspected of membership of a criminal organization, drug trafficking, extortion and involvement in a fight in a bar in Sittard . There would be telephone taps as evidence. In 2021, the court in Maastricht sentenced twelve Bandidos members (chapter Sittard) to years in prison for participating in a criminal organization.

Ongoing case
After years of investigation, the police and the judiciary ultimately failed to link the weapons to the Bandidos. This made the Geleen weapons case one in itself and the Bandidos investigation became primarily a case that revolved around extortion, threats and abuse. Johan K. was released and his case has been at a standstill ever since. According to De Limburger, it has never become completely clear how exactly that could happen.