Headline: Dutch Soldier Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Selling Dangerous Fireworks, Possessing Fake Weapons and Counterfeit Money
A 21-year-old soldier has been sentenced to six months in prison by the military court in Arnhem for engaging in dangerous firework trading and possessing fake weapons, counterfeit money, and boxing gear. The conviction will likely result in his dismissal from the Dutch military.
The military chamber of the court determined that the Gelderlander had been selling fireworks, including the notorious Cobra 6 and Cobra 8, along with shells and thousand-klappers, via WhatsApp for approximately two years. He would approach others to purchase fireworks from him and offer discounts for bulk purchases, even suggesting that customers could resell the fireworks to make a profit.
The soldier’s illegal activities were known among his colleagues on the military base at Volkel. He had sold fireworks to his fellow soldiers on multiple occasions, including one sale on the base itself, where he sold two packets of three cobra fireworks for €40.
In a search conducted at his home in Culemborg in late 2023, police discovered 6.3 kilograms of illegal fireworks, including two rocket sticks and 152 pieces of heavy exploding fireworks, such as Cobra 6s. The soldier also admitted to selling fireworks to others, who confirmed the deliveries. Notes on his phone revealed details of firework quantities, purchase and sale prices, and expected profits, further strengthening the case against him.
In addition to the fireworks, authorities found 38 counterfeit €50 notes in the soldier’s nightstand, which he claimed he had bought out of curiosity for €600 and had no intention of using. The court, however, found this explanation improbable.
A reclassification report indicated that the soldier is sensitive to status and seeks excitement and sensation, and that he has been negatively influenced by his associates. The chances of recidivism are considered low, and the report recommended a juvenile sentence, including a conditional prison term, community service, and a fine. However, the court chose to impose the same sentence requested by the public prosecutor, finding that the soldier had repeatedly committed offenses, was aware of the risks and illegality of his actions, and should thus be punished as an adult.
Given the serious nature of the crimes, the court sentenced the soldier to six months in prison, with an additional six months suspended for a period of three years. If he commits another offense within that time frame, he will serve an additional six months in prison.
