Inside the Shocking True Story Behind Netflix’s iHostage Amsterdam Apple Store Attack!

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The Dutch crime film on Netflix titled iHostage is based on the intense hostage crisis that occurred in an Amsterdam Apple Store in 2022. The movie employs a skilled cast to depict fictionalized characters inspired by the real individuals involved, while maintaining anonymity for the actual people by altering some names. Although certain elements have been modified, the overall narrative closely mirrors the actual events, providing viewers with a gripping portrayal of the genuine danger and emotional turmoil surrounding the incident. By the conclusion of iHostage, audiences will gain a profound understanding of the very real risks involved, as well as the possible emotions experienced by those caught up in it.

It’s no wonder that the gripping crime thriller iHostage has quickly become a hit. In fact, the movie has garnered some favorable critiques due to its intense portrayal of events. Remarkably, it effectively conveys the terror of the situation experienced by those involved. While the film incorporates certain dramatizations and speculations, it remains largely true to real-life events, which only serves to enhance its fast-paced narrative and impressive acting.

Netflix’s iHostage Is Based On The 2022 Amsterdam Apple Store Attack

The Hostage Situation Occurred On February 22, 2022

On February 22, 2022, a man wielding a weapon entered an Apple Store located on Amsterdam’s Leidseplein. This individual was identified as Abdel Rahman Akkad, aged 27, who took a hostage at gunpoint and demanded money from the authorities in exchange for releasing his captive. The Netflix film titled “iHostage” chronicles the story of Akkad (renamed Ammar Ajar) as he storms the store, makes his demands, and eventually meets his end after failing to secure any ransom money. The movie was helmed by director Bobby Boermans, a resident of Amsterdam, who sought to recreate the event’s tension through his filmmaking.

In a conversation about his 2025 movie with Time magazine, Boermans mentioned that situations like the hostage incident were rare in the Netherlands, which made it peculiar. He added that after choosing to pass by the store shortly following the event, he was taken aback by the contrast between the shattered glass and the “strange tranquility following the turmoil.” Over the subsequent years, this experience left a lasting impression on him, as his film, iHostage, delves deeply into the violence and anxiety surrounding the Amsterdam hostage crisis.

The Real Gunman, Abdel Rahman Akkad, Demanded Millions In Cryptocurrency While Holding Dozens Of People Hostage

Similar To The Netflix Movie The Gunman Wanted Money And Safe Passage

Around 5:30 pm, a man named Abdel Rahman Akkad, who later becomes Ilian Petrov in a movie, took a hostage at an Apple Store. The real hostage has chosen to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, but it’s known he was a 44-year-old Bulgarian man. While Akkad mainly targeted one individual, other customers in the store hid. Not only were people inside the Apple Store affected, but as reported by Time, many others on different floors of the building, which weren’t part of the store, were also trapped. This suggests that a significant number of people found themselves in danger.

Under the threat of a hostage and with many others trapped inside, Akkad demanded a ransom of €200 million in cryptocurrency, presumably thinking it would be harder to track. Alongside this demand for money, Akkad also asked for safe exit from Amsterdam. As reported by the BBC, during the incident, the gunman communicated with the media by sending photos to TV channel AT5, suggesting that Akkad appeared to have explosives on him.

Some Hostages Were Able To Sneak Out Of The Building During The Crisis

Dozens Of People Managed To Get Out

A significant number of individuals, pinned down at first inside the Apple Store, managed to escape as Akkad sought to commandeer the shop. Reminiscent of the film’s portrayal, it was some of those who remained trapped that actually found refuge in a storage closet. Boermans and his collaborator Simon de Waal, both with connections and knowledge from their detective background, were able to uncover details about how the police kept in touch with those hiding in the closet, as shared through Netflix.

Besides maintaining communication with those confined within, the police spent numerous hours facilitating the evacuation of approximately 70 people (Time). In doing so, Boermans and de Waal’s exclusive insights into the event added authenticity and richness to the film. Gaining perspectives from those directly involved and visiting the site provided them with a detailed account of how the hostage situation unfolded, encompassing the emotions experienced by both the individuals trapped in the store and the police aiming to rescue them.

Akkad Died After Being Hit By A Police Car

His Death Was Very Controversial

One striking aspect of the story in iHostage is its climax where Ammar, instead of pursuing Ilian after the hostage situation ends, gets struck by a police car. This incident appears to be an artistic embellishment, but at approximately 10:30 pm, following five hours inside the Apple Store, Akkad was intentionally rammed by a specialized police vehicle. He sustained injuries from the collision and fell unconscious, ultimately surviving until he was admitted to a hospital where he eventually succumbed to his wounds.

During the 2022 incident at the Apple Store, all hostages successfully exited unharmed. However, the event sparked controversy due to the circumstances surrounding Akkad’s death. A video of Akkad on the ground spread rapidly, leading to debates about whether running over him with a car was justified. Boermans commented that reactions were mixed, with some praising the action while others expressed reservations or conflict. It appears his upcoming film might reignite this discussion.

What The Official Investigation Revealed About Akkad’s Plans & Past

He Had A Previous Criminal Record

As iHostage explains, Akkad’s intentions and the specific motive behind his attack on the Apple Store continue to be somewhat mysterious. Nevertheless, both in the film and reality, there are certain indications as to what could have motivated him to take a hostage for money. Following an investigation into the event and Akkad’s background, Amsterdam police disclosed that he was actually a local resident and had a criminal history on record. Furthermore, iHostage suggests that the gunman might have had a hidden history of mental health issues that were overlooked.

After the demise of Akkad, authorities disclosed that he was previously apprehended for illegal gun ownership. On the day of his Apple Store takeover, Akkad carried not only a handgun but also an automatic weapon. Furthermore, a former partner had obtained a restraining order against him, and he had also completed compulsory community service in the past. While iHostage undoubtedly emphasizes the thrilling elements of the 2022 hostage crisis, the true narrative of Abdel Rahman Akkad is surprisingly intricate and tragic.

Source: Time, BBC, Netflix

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2025-04-25 21:51