20-Year-Old Sentenced for Ordering Teen to Bomb Amsterdam Restaurant

The man provided a 14-year-old with materials for an attempted explosion at a De Pizzabakkers location.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:10pm

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A 20-year-old man was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with 15 months suspended, for commissioning a 14-year-old to attempt an explosion at a De Pizzabakkers restaurant in Amsterdam-Oost. The man provided the teenager with materials intended for the bombing, which was planned for the night of September 2-3, 2025. The 14-year-old was apprehended by police while carrying a cobra firework bomb, additional fireworks, and three bottles of gasoline before he could detonate the device.

Why it matters

This case highlights the concerning trend of individuals exploiting vulnerable youth to carry out criminal acts. The sentencing of both the instigator and the minor underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating these offenses, but the underlying issues of coercion and vulnerability require continued attention.

The details

Evidence from the 20-year-old's phone revealed messages directing the teenager to place the explosive device and attempting to evade police detection. The court determined this demonstrated a leading role in the attempted bombing. The judge stated that providing the explosive materials to a minor is a 'societal plague' and particularly reprehensible given the 20-year-old remained at a distance while the younger individual was put at risk.

  • The attempted bombing was planned for the night of September 2-3, 2025.
  • The 14-year-old was apprehended by police even as carrying the materials on that night.

The players

20-year-old man

A 20-year-old man who was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with 15 months suspended, for commissioning a 14-year-old to attempt an explosion at a De Pizzabakkers restaurant in Amsterdam-Oost.

14-year-old

A 14-year-old who was apprehended by police while carrying a cobra firework bomb, additional fireworks, and three bottles of gasoline before he could detonate the device. He was sentenced to six months in juvenile detention for his role in the incident.

De Pizzabakkers

A restaurant chain in Amsterdam that had previously been targeted by explosions at four of its locations.

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What they’re saying

“Providing the explosive materials to a minor is a 'societal plague' and particularly reprehensible given the 20-year-old remained at a distance while the younger individual was put at risk.”

— The judge

What’s next

Experts suggest that as De Pizzabakkers continues to grapple with the fallout from these incidents, steps may be taken to ensure the safety of both employees and customers at its remaining locations, such as increased security measures and community outreach programs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing issue of vulnerable youth being exploited to carry out criminal acts, and the need for continued efforts to address the underlying factors of coercion and vulnerability that enable such incidents.