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Victims confront official Jim B. over corruption charges: ‘Everything familiar is gone’

Victims confront official Jim B. over corruption charges: ‘Everything familiar is gone’

Former Amsterdam municipal official Jim B. is on trial for selling private citizen data that was used in at least 95 violent incidents, including multiple bombings and shootings. Victims testified about the devastating personal impact of these attacks, while the prosecution prepares to present sentencing demands for B. and his two co-defendants.

Victims of a series of violent incidents confronted municipal employee Jim B. in court this Monday. The 48-year-old official is accused of selling private addresses from Amsterdam municipal systems, which were subsequently used in at least 95 crimes, including 36 explosions, shootings, and attempted murders. Affected citizens described the profound trauma caused by the attacks, detailing how they lost their homes, privacy, and sense of safety. One woman shared the tragic story of losing her child and being forced to live in a caravan following an explosion at her home.

Prosecutors claim B. sold the information for 50 euros per inquiry, allegedly linked to high-profile criminal investigations such as the Taghi family and cocaine theft cases. While B. claims he was coerced by co-defendants Rishie K. and Gillian H., the prosecution is seeking over 24,000 euros in repayment. K. claimed he was misled into thinking he was helping locate delinquent customers, while H. has exercised his right to remain silent. The court case is scheduled to continue on Tuesday when the prosecution will announce its sentencing demands.

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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