WILLEMSTAD – A 32-year-old Dutch citizen has been missing in Venezuela for the past three months following his arrest at Caracas Airport. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the case after reports by Trouw, stating that the man was detained by Venezuelan customs officials on December 24 and has not been seen or heard from since.
The ministry has been in contact with the man's family and is providing consular assistance where possible. However, due to privacy concerns, no further details have been disclosed. According to Foro Penal, a Venezuelan human rights organization, the Dutchman may be classified as a political prisoner. The group claims he is among dozens of foreigners allegedly detained by the Venezuelan government for political reasons. The Venezuelan authorities have refused to provide any information regarding his whereabouts or legal status.
Reports indicate that diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Venezuela remain strained. In January, three Dutch diplomats were expelled from Venezuela, prompting the Netherlands to retaliate by expelling Venezuelan diplomats. The Venezuelan government has accused the Netherlands of supporting extremist groups and interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
Foro Penal also warns that Venezuela has a history of detaining foreign nationals to use them as bargaining chips—either to negotiate prisoner exchanges for Venezuelans jailed abroad or to push for sanctions relief. The organization’s latest report lists 66 foreign detainees, including six Europeans.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that, as of now, no other Dutch citizens are known to be imprisoned in Venezuela.