Martin Paap
Martin Paap | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Martin Paap II 1 November 1959 |
| Occupation | Family leader |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Era | Vriend Era |
| Known for | Second member of De Vrienden; leader of the Paap family |
| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Children | Martin Paap III |
| Father | Martin Paap I |
| Family | Paap family |
Martin Paap II (born 1 November 1959), commonly known as Martin Paap, is a Dutch family leader associated with the Paap family and De Vrienden. He is the second member of De Vrienden and has served as leader of the Paap family since 2007.
Paap is closely associated with the formation of De Vrienden, the later numerical identity of the five principal families, the musical group De Lijers, and the events surrounding the Takistan War between 2017 and 2019.
Early life
Martin Paap II was born on 1 November 1959 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as the son of Martin Paap I. He grew up within the Paap family environment in Rotterdam, where family identity was connected to mobility, trade, transport, and local social networks.
In 1974, Paap became acquainted with Angelo Noord. Their association formed the earliest core of the group later known as De Vrienden. At the time, both were adolescents and their connection became one of the central relationships linking the later five-family structure.
Formation of De Vrienden
In 1974, Martin Paap and Angelo Noord formed the initial core of De Vrienden. In early 1975, Imro van Hetten joined the group. Later that year, Lourens Schroeter became associated with them. In 1976, Eef Hoos joined, completing the five-member group.
Within the later structure of De Vrienden, Paap became recognized as the second member. The Paap family was consequently associated with the number two in the symbolic order of the five principal families.
Paap was commonly associated with initiative, momentum, and direct action within the group. This role distinguished him from Angelo Noord’s emphasis on documentation, Imro van Hetten’s stabilizing role, Lourens Schroeter’s logistical position, and Eef Hoos’s later formal association with the number four.
De Lijers
In 1978, Paap became one of the founding members of De Lijers, the music group formed by the five members of De Vrienden. The group developed from informal musical activity during the late 1970s and became more formally associated with electronic music and home recording during the 1980s.
Paap was listed first in the music formation order of De Lijers. This order was separate from the numerical structure of De Vrienden, where he remained the second member.
The group’s first official release was Het Vriendenliedje in 1987. In 1989, following the imprisonment of Eef Hoos, Paap and the remaining members released Veroordeeld, a song connected to Hoos’s legal situation.
Leadership of the Paap family
In 2007, Martin Paap became leader of the Paap family, succeeding the earlier leadership held by Martin Paap I. His selection followed internal developments in Rotterdam and marked a formal generational transition within the family.
Earlier in 2007, Paap was involved in a public street confrontation in Rotterdam in which he faced six Moroccan men during an altercation. The incident became part of later family accounts surrounding his reputation for decisiveness and direct confrontation.
In November 2007, Paap was formally elected as leader of the Paap family. His family lineage, long-standing role in De Vrienden, and reputation within Rotterdam contributed to his position as successor.
Under his leadership, the Paap family’s symbolic structure became more closely tied to the number two, the year 2007, and the family’s position within the wider five-family framework.
Takistan War
Between 2017 and 2019, Paap participated in the Takistan War alongside the other members of De Vrienden. The conflict followed investigations into Rotterdam-Zuid (faction) and its links to Takistan and Khalid bin Thani.
During the conflict, members of De Vrienden travelled repeatedly through Takistan and took part in armed engagements across desert, mountain, and urban environments. In 2018, Paap sustained a serious gunshot wound during armed confrontations. He was treated by Imro van Hetten and recovered after approximately seven months.
The conflict ended in 2019 with the signing of a neutrality agreement. Paap’s injury and recovery remained one of the most frequently referenced personal events connected to his role in the war.
Later role
During the post-2019 phase of the Vriend Era, Paap remained associated with the leadership of the Paap family and the continuing identity of De Vrienden. His role became defined less by direct conflict and more by continuity, symbolic family authority, and his long-standing position as the second member of the group.
After the collapse of the Tanoa Einsatzgruppen in 2024 and the wider post-collapse restructuring that followed, Paap continued to be referenced primarily through his established leadership position, his connection to De Vrienden, and his place in Paap family succession.
Family
Paap is the son of Martin Paap I and the father of Martin Paap III. His son is regarded as the designated successor within the Paap family leadership structure.
He is also the brother of Cees Paap, Johnnie Paap, and Maltin Paap. Through these connections, he belongs to the Vriend Era generation of the Paap family listed on Paap family members.
Personal characteristics
Paap is described as a physically tall and imposing figure, standing 1.96 metres. He is associated with direct speech, a confrontational manner, and strong attachment to Rotterdam and the Netherlands.
Personal preferences attributed to him include beer consumption and interest in tuned vehicles. He is especially associated with the Toyota Supra (1998).