Derin Hans served as a correctional officer at a prison during the Galactic Civil War era. After the Battle of Yavin, Hans was involved in the Galactic Empire's prison system at the Imperial Research and Prison Facility located on the planet of Dathomir. At this location, Imperial scientists were covertly engaged in perilous scientific experimentation, with the goal of transforming the terrifying Blackwing virus into a bioweapon. In the year 1 ABY, Derin Hans was assigned to escort prisoners on the upper levels of the facility when a mishap occurred within the research center. The virus escaped its confines, resulting in the deaths of the majority of individuals in the area, transforming them into undead beings.
The character of Derin Hans was referenced in the 2003 video game Star Wars Galaxies. This massively multiplayer online roleplaying game was created by Sony Online Entertainment and distributed by LucasArts, before its shutdown on December 15, 2011. The reference to Derin Hans was included in the game as part of "Game Update 14," which was released on October 12, 2009.