Appeal for witnesses
Violent robbery - Reidingpark - Drachten
Do you have information about a violent robbery that took place in the centre of Drachten during the night of Saturday 4 July to Sunday 5 July 2026, between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.? We are looking for witnesses, including a man and a woman who were seen cycling away together on a single bicycle from the area near the public library at around 3:00 a.m.
The victim, 22-year-old Kostiantyn from Drachten, was later found deceased in the water at Reidingpark. On the night of the incident, he was wearing a black T-shirt with a white print, a shoulder bag, blue jeans and black trainers.
Did you see or hear anything related to this violent robbery? Did you see the victim, either alone or with other people? Did you witness how he ended up in the water that night? Or do you have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage showing the victim around that time? If so, please contact the police.
We are looking for two specific witnesses
During the investigation, detectives recovered CCTV footage showing two people who may have witnessed what happened that night. Investigators would very much like to speak with them. The footage shows two people (at least one of whom is a woman) walking in the area of Van Knobelsdorffplein, Burgemeester Wuiteweg and Museumplein at around 3:00 a.m. on the night of 4 to 5 July. They collect their bicycles near the public library and cycle off (on one bike) towards Zuiderbuurt and Zuidkade/Noordkade.
Witness 1: female, approximately 18–30 years old, long hair, light-coloured shoes, light-coloured trousers and a dark jacket, possibly with a logo on the back. Witness 2: a man, approximately 18–30 years old, short hair, shoes with a reflective logo, light-coloured trousers and a dark-coloured jacket
We would very much like to speak with these two potential witnesses, as they may have seen both the victim and the suspects. Do you recognise yourself from this description? If so, please contact the police immediately by calling 0800-6070.
Suspects arrested
Four juvenile suspects have been arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of violent robbery. The investigation is ongoing and the police seeks additional information about what happened that night. That is why we are issuing this renewed witness appeal.
Investigation into Kostiantyn’s death continues
In addition to the investigation into the violent robbery, detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kostiantyn’s death. Several scenarios are being investigated. At present, it is still unclear how Kostiantyn ended up in the water.
Contact the police
Do you have information that could assist our investigation? Or do you have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage that may be relevant? Please share your information using the online tip form on this page or contact the police investigation tip line on 0800-6070. You can also report information anonymously through Meld Misdaad Anoniem (Anonymous Crime Reporting) by calling 0800-7000.