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Sister of Dutch Gangster Reveals Hidden Life
31 Jan
Summary
- Astrid Holleeder testified against her brother Willem.
- She spent a decade in hiding after betraying Willem.
- Astrid now stars on a Dutch national talk show.
Astrid Holleeder, sister of notorious Dutch gangster Willem 'The Nose' Holleeder, has emerged from a decade in hiding. She became a star prosecution witness against her brother, secretly recording their conversations and testifying against him in court.
Willem Holleeder, infamous for the 1983 Heineken kidnapping, was eventually sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for ordering five murders and one manslaughter.
Astrid, 60, lived in hiding for ten years, adopting disguises to remain unseen and unheard. She now hosts a talk show, sharing her experiences as a former criminal defence lawyer and victim of criminality.
She describes her childhood in a crime-ridden Amsterdam district, marked by poverty and an abusive father. Astrid's decision to betray Willem was motivated by his threats against her sister's family.
Despite the risks and emotional scars, Astrid has embraced a new public life, sharing her story and supporting others through her growing social media presence.
