Far-Right Leader Sentenced for Running Weapons Workshop from Squatted Restaurant
Netherlands, 26 February 2026
Thomas D., who led the extremist Geuzenbond group, received two years imprisonment for illegal weapons possession after police discovered a makeshift weapons factory in his Noord-Brabant squat. The 25-year-old had converted gas pistols into functioning firearms and manufactured 100 cartridges, alongside possessing manuals for creating explosives and landmines. Originally arrested for planning terrorist attacks against anti-fascist activists, those charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. However, authorities found his radicalisation deeply concerning, with the court noting he feared using his homemade weapons due to explosion risks.
Arsenal Discovery Reveals Sophisticated Operation
The Rotterdam District Court’s verdict on Thursday, 26 February 2026, followed a police raid in August 2025 that uncovered an extensive weapons cache at D.’s anti-squat property in Erp, Noord-Brabant [1][2]. Officers discovered six functioning firearms, including two revolvers, a carbine, and a shotgun, alongside butterfly knives, crossbows with sharp metal-pointed arrows, and 250 bullets [3]. The prosecution described the operation as a ‘wapenfabriekje’ (weapons workshop), highlighting D.’s conversion of a gas pistol into a working firearm and his production of 100 cartridges for the modified weapon [2][4]. Beyond the weapons themselves, authorities found comprehensive manufacturing materials including manuals for creating firearms, tear gas, Semtex explosives, and landmines, as well as the necessary tools and equipment [3][4].
Intelligence Services Trigger Investigation
The investigation originated from an August 2025 report by the Algemene Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst (AIVD), which indicated that D. intended to commit violence against members of the anti-fascist movement Antifa [1][4]. Intelligence documents revealed D.’s threatening statements, including counting weapon cartridges whilst saying ‘81 dooie antifa[scisten]. Hier kan je niets mee, maar is een leuk idee’ (81 dead antifascists. You can’t do anything with this, but it’s a nice idea) [3]. The probation service characterised his radicalisation process as ‘zorgwekkend’ (concerning), noting the difficulty in distinguishing whether his behaviour represented extremism or ‘an extreme form of activism’ [2]. Initially arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist attacks, these charges were subsequently dropped due to insufficient evidence, though D. remarked he would be ‘branded as a terrorist for the rest of my life’ [3].
Geuzenbond Connections and Political Implications
D.’s leadership role within the Geuzenbond carries broader implications for Dutch society, particularly for vulnerable communities in asylum reception centres (AZCs) [1][2][4]. The group describes itself as ‘a union of young, patriotic Dutch people’ committed to preserving language and culture, yet the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) has classified it as adhering to ‘etno-nationalistisch, fascistisch, racistisch en antidemocratisch gedachtegoed’ (ethno-nationalistic, fascist, racist, and anti-democratic ideology) [1][3]. The organisation’s political reach extends into mainstream politics, with NRC reporting in February 2026 that Geuzenbond members appear on Forum voor Democratie candidate lists for upcoming municipal elections, including Daan Meershoek as second candidate in Nijmegen and Tim van Setten in Rotterdam [3]. This political representation amplifies concerns about far-right ideology influencing local governance decisions affecting asylum policy and community safety.
Sentencing and Broader Security Concerns
The court’s sentence of two years imprisonment, with one year suspended, matched the Public Prosecution Service’s demand and reflected the ‘serious negative impact’ of the prior terrorism allegations [1][2]. Judge noted the paradoxical nature of D.’s weapons obsession, stating he ‘apparently didn’t use the converted gas pistol not because he didn’t want to, but because he didn’t dare’ due to explosion risks [3]. The conditional release requires D. to meet with psychologists and report to probation services, addressing what authorities described as his ‘hang naar spanning en grenzen opzoeken’ (tendency to seek excitement and push boundaries) [3]. For asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations, this case demonstrates Dutch authorities’ commitment to prosecuting illegal weapons possession within extremist groups that pose potential threats to public safety. However, the suspended sentence component and the group’s continued political participation suggest ongoing vigilance remains necessary to protect communities already facing discrimination and security challenges.