iHostage: The True Story That Took Amsterdam’s Apple Store Hostage
It was February 22, 2022, and a quiet afternoon in Amsterdam had turned into something more dramatic: a hostage situation inside an Apple Store that captivated the country. Netflix’s thriller’ iHostage’ dramatizes the incident… but how true to its source is it?
In this article, we look at the true story behind iHostage, including how a 27-year-old dragged people onto a path of havoc, the heroic actions of those tangled up in it, and the rapid response by the police that helped end the standoff.
We discuss Netflix’s production decisions, from casting to how the filmmakers depicted the fear and tension that night. If you’re a true crime lover or want to know all the details, here’s everything you need to know about the case, including the emotional ones.
A Typical Day Becomes a Horror Show
On the evening of February 22, 2022, the Apple Store in Leidseplein, Amsterdam, was busy with customers. But at 5:30 p.m., Abdel Rahman Akkad walked into the store, armed and dangerous. After arriving in camouflage and a bomb vest, he quickly drew a gun, sparking panic. People fled, ducked, or froze in terror.” Within seconds, the whole building was a war zone.
Hostages Trapped Inside
Akkad, a 27-year-old resident, took 70 people hostage. Some managed to escape, but many took refuge in storage rooms and upper floors. One was a 44-year-old Bulgarian man who was to become Akkad’s primary hostage. He towered over the gunman’s shoulder for nearly five hours as human evidence of the robber’s menacing threats.
Akkad’s Demands and Message
Akkad promptly requested a negotiator. He threatened to release it if he was not paid €200 million (or $230 million) in cryptocurrency and granted safe passage. He wrote that he was “tired of the injustices” of life and messaged local outlets, saying that the government was “valuing money over lives.” The more desperate he became, the higher the risk to anyone inside.
A City on Edge
Outside the building, Dutch police surrounded it. Special forces were ready. The media stayed back. The authorities monitored live feeds and texts from those still hiding. They worried that Akkad would find their hiding places, and the crisis would continue to worsen. Every move had to be calculated, the stakes so high.
The Hostage Who Took a Chance
At 10:30 p.m., Akkad asked for water. It was delivered to the store’s entrance by police using a robot. Akkad then dispatched his chief hostage to retrieve it. That moment became a watershed moment. The hostage instead ran toward the police. Akkad went after him, and that’s when police sprang into action. A car rushed toward Akkad, striking him and bringing the standoff to an end.
After the Standoff
Akkad was taken to the hospital. Despite attempts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries the next day, February 23. His bomb vest contained real explosives, investigators found, but the vest wasn’t armed. He was armed and dangerous but worked alone. No hostages were injured. The Bulgarian man’s heroic getaway saved lives and ended the siege.
Behind the Criminal Mind
Akkad was no stranger to police. He had a criminal record for gun possession and had been accused of harassment by an ex-girlfriend. He may have been driven over the edge by financial problems. Yet there were no connections to larger groups or accomplices. Authorities continued to dig into his background, but many questions remain.
That Will Tickle the Spine of Netflix’s iHostage
Netflix’s iHostage (premiering April 18, 2025) captures the horror and tension of that day. Directed by Bobby Boermans and written by Simon de Waal, the movie presents its case from all perspectives — those of the hostages, the police, and the attacker. It captures the mental pressure, the courage, and the mayhem moment by moment.
A Skilled Ensemble For An Engrossing Story
iHostage follows a Dutch ensemble cast, including Admir Šehović, Soufiane Moussouli, Loes Haverkort, Marcel Hensema, and others. Each actor plays a different role in the real-life drama, adding complexity to the crisis. Their performances clarify for viewers what it felt like to endure those terrifying hours.
Why iHostage Hits Hard
The power of iHostage comes from its roots in reality. This isn’t a story—it happened. The emotional toll, the fear, the courage — it resonates. The movie doesn’t sensationalize the crime. Instead, it emphasizes the humanity of officers and the risks they take to protect others.
Real Heroes, Real Courage
In total, five people, including the Bulgarian hostage, were awarded for bravery by the Amsterdam Mayor after the event. That helped keep others calm and safe during the five-hour standoff. These unsung heroes inspire us that in times of crisis, ordinary people can undertake extraordinary acts.
FAQs
Is iHostage based on a true story?
Yes, the Netflix film is based on the 2022 hostage crisis at an Apple Store in Amsterdam.
Who was the hostage-taker?
Abdel Rahman Akkad, a 27-year-old resident of Amsterdam with a criminal record.
Were there any deaths during the standoff?
Only Akkad. Evacuating all hostages without any physical injuries.
Was the bomb vest real?
Yes, although the explosives weren’t armed, so there was no actual risk of detonation.
Where can I watch iHostage?
As of April 18, 2025, iHostage is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Final Words
It was Amsterdam’s moment in the hostage crisis limelight — best remembered as the Apple Store hostage crisis. It was chaotic, stressful, and dangerous — but also an exhibition of courage, shrewd policing, and human resilience.
Netflix’s iHostage aspires to immortalize that moment in film, helping us remember what happened and learn from it. Out of fear, people found strength, and now their story is being shared with the world.
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