Rabat – A 30-year-old Dutch suspect has been extradited from Morocco to the Netherlands over his alleged role in a shooting in Rotterdam-West on February 21, 2025.
Moroccan authorities handed over the man, who is from Spijkenisse, to Dutch authorities earlier this week, according to Dutch media. An investigating judge ordered on Tuesday that he remain in custody as the case moves forward. He is suspected of attempted murder.
The shooting took place in February last year on 1e Middellandstraat, a busy street in Rotterdam-West. According to prosecutors, two men got out of a car and opened fire on the driver of another vehicle.
The victim, a 27-year-old man, was seriously injured. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities said the attack happened in broad daylight, causing panic among residents and shop owners in the area.
Police quickly launched an investigation, collecting forensic evidence from the scene and reviewing security camera footage from nearby buildings. Witnesses reported hearing several shots before the suspects fled.
Shortly after the shooting, the two suspects reportedly escaped to Morocco. One of them was arrested there about eight months ago. Following legal procedures, Moroccan authorities approved his extradition to the Netherlands.
The second suspect, a 32-year-old man from Rotterdam, has not yet been arrested. However, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service says he has been identified as a suspect and is internationally wanted.
Morocco regularly cooperates with European countries, including the Netherlands, in criminal matters. The two countries have agreements that allow for the extradition of suspects wanted for serious crimes.
Morocco has extradited in recent years several individuals accused of violent crimes, drug trafficking, and organized crime to European states. The cooperation is part of broader judicial and security partnerships aimed at fighting cross-border crime.
The investigation into the Rotterdam shooting is ongoing. Dutch authorities are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the second suspect.