A year ago, the De Vries Foundation promised a record reward of 1 million euros for the decisive tip in the unsolved case of Tanja Groen, a student who has been missing for more than 30 years. The then 18-year-old student, who was studying health sciences in Maastricht, disappeared without a trace on the summer night of August 31, 1993. That evening, Tanja Groen had spoken to her mother on the phone at around 7:30 p.m. before heading to the nightlife district around Herbenusstraat in Maastricht. Shortly after midnight, Tanja set off on her bike to return home to the village of Gronsveld, 10 kilometers away, but she never arrived. On September 4, her parents reported her missing to the police. The investigation was in full swing. But to this day, there is still no trace of Tanja Groen. Connections to sex offenders such as Belgian serial killer Marc Dutroux and French sex offender Michel Fourniret, whose crimes are currently being reported on in the new true crime series “The Fourniret Case: Inside the Mind of Monique Olivier” on Netflix, came to nothing. For a long time, Dutch gravedigger Wim Smulders, a convicted murderer of women, was considered a prime suspect, but he died in 2014. Furthermore, no evidence of his involvement in the crime was ever found. The well-known crime reporter Peter R. de Vries took on the cold case, but was murdered in Amsterdam on July 15, 2021, prompting his daughter to take over as chair of the foundation set up to solve the Tanja Groen case. Just a few days after Peter R. de Vries’ assassination, more than €1 million in donations was raised. With this sum, not only the family but also the police hoped to find the golden tip that would finally solve the Tanja Groen case. This offer was valid for 12 months until June 23, 2022, Tanja Groen’s birthday. But even this last straw did not bring any new insights into what had happened to Tanja Groen.
By Isabella Mueller
Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery! My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us. At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers! My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark. You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras! But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them. With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all. TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes. Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories. Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!