The Dutch public prosecution department has apologised to the former partner of health guru Wim Hof for failing to investigate her claims of domestic violence, the Volkskrant reported on Monday.

The woman, named as Caroline by the Volkskrant, made a formal complaint against Hof in 2010 but it was never followed up in any detail.

In a letter to Caroline, the department stated that her report “should have triggered further research and at least a broader and more critical questioning of Hof”. It has not been possible to establish why this did not happen, and the case is now past the statute of limitations, the department said.

Last year, the Volkskrant published an article in which Caroline alleged that Hof subjected her, their son, and her two children from a previous relationship to 13 years of mental and physical abuse. The newspaper also cited police reports, court documents, a report from child protection services and the testimony of another former partner.

Hof’s promotion of cold-water training has made him a celebrity around the world, with millions following his methods. In 2022, the annual report of Hof Holding showed a profit of €6 million.

In 2012, Hof was fined and given a community service order for physically abusing his stepson. He has always denied claims of domestic abuse.