Minister Van Weel remains fully committed to dismantling criminal revenue models

News item | 10-06-2025 | 15:30

Minister Van Weel: ‘Confiscating assets is an important tool for dismantling criminal revenue models, but it is far from the only one. We must use a coherent and flexible approach to make it very difficult, if not impossible, for criminals to earn, move and use money.’

In recent years, the Public Prosecution Service has more than met its targets for seizing assets. Over the coming years, it aims to seize even more assets. To achieve this, cooperation is sought with countries that play a role in this regard. The Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) and the Police also focus on tracking down criminal assets abroad. New European rules will soon allow the Minister to confiscate illegally obtained assets without a prior conviction. A measure that is much needed, as demonstrated by the Public Prosecution Service’s €221 million claim against Jos Leijdekkers.

The Minister has intensified cooperation with various organisations to put up more barriers to the money laundering of illegally obtained funds, allowing rapid responses to new criminal tactics. One of the main money laundering risks involves underground banking systems. Decrypted cryptographic messages show that criminals move criminal assets on a large scale through an underground financial network, including through cash and cryptocurrency transactions. This issue has drawn the attention of the investigative services and is now a permanent item on the international agenda.

Today, the Senate approved a cash ban on goods over €3,000. Cash payments are a known method for criminals to launder money, such as by purchasing expensive watches or clothing. This law, introduced by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Justice and Security, will make such activities more difficult. The Ministers are also committed to a more risk-based, anti-money laundering policy. The burden of anti-money laundering policy will thus fall on criminals, while well-intentioned people and legitimate business owners face fewer obstacles.

Making the Netherlands resilient

Together with partners in tackling criminal subversion, important steps have been taken to make the Netherlands more resilient against organised crime. Since March 2025, it has been possible to screen port workers applying for a certificate of good conduct (VOG) for any prior involvement in organised drug or other crime. This measure helps keep individuals with a criminal background out of port areas. To increase business owners’ resilience, confidential advisers are active in several sectors, including agriculture and property. This gives business owners an accessible way to raise concerns about suspicious situations. The ‘Keep crime out of your neighbourhood’ campaign has had a positive effect on reporting suspicious activities and taking action.  During the campaign period, the total number of reports rose by 29% compared to the same period a year earlier. A follow-up ‘Strange or suspicious’ campaign will launch after the summer this year.

Minister Van Weel: ‘As a trading nation, the Netherlands occupies a unique international position as a hub for logistics, transport, financial services and digital infrastructure. This unique position also makes our country attractive to criminals. Organised crime does not respect borders. By cooperating with neighbouring countries, we are creating a strong local, national and international front against organised crime.’

For example, the Netherlands plays a leading role in the coalition of seven countries against organised crime (C7). The coalition’s efforts have included helping to shape the European security strategy presented by the Commission on 1 April 2025.