Dutch crime lord escapes house arrest, raising alarms in Europe

Karim Bouyakhrichan, believed to be the leader of a Dutch criminal group, has escaped from house arrest in Spain. Reports suggest that he was involved in threats against Princess Amalia and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte. Interpol had listed him as wanted.

The precise details of the Moroccan-born Karim Bouyakhrichan's escape remain unclear, including when and how it occurred. His current location is unknown, raising concerns among authorities. Speaking to the BBC, Spanish Minister of Justice Félix Bolaños voiced these concerns and assured that efforts are underway to apprehend him promptly.

Karim Bouyakhrichan has been labelled as one of Europe's most sought-after fugitives. He was subject to a European Arrest Warrant and actively pursued by Interpol. Earlier in the year, the 46-year-old was arrested in Marbella, Spain, on charges related to laundering money by purchasing 172 properties valued at over £42 million.

Following his arrest, Dutch officials requested his extradition, a request that a court in Madrid granted. Nevertheless, authorities in Malaga called for his case to be tried in Spain. The Dutch highlighted his significant role in the Mocro Mafia cartel and his involvement in a prolonged drug conflict that resulted in numerous deaths across Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Morocco, as reported by Politico.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court allowed Bouyakhrichan bail under certain conditions, including surrendering his passport and bi-monthly court appearances. He was last seen in court on April 1.

BBC reports indicate that Bouyakhrichan has repeatedly threatened Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Princess Amalia, leading to the 20-year-old heir to the throne's relocation to Madrid for safety reasons.