Yesterday, the FIOD arrested two men (51 and 42 years old) from Amsterdam and Leeuwarden on suspicion of bankruptcy fraud, fraud and money laundering. A 32-year-old woman from Amsterdam, who was not arrested, is suspected of money laundering. Searches were conducted at a home and business premises in Amsterdam and a residence in Leeuwarden. In the process, physical and digital records, bank accounts, an Audi A7, jewelry, designer clothing and bags were seized.
The criminal investigation was initiated following a report to Report Crime Anonymously about the sale of bonds to private investors, from which returns were only partially or not paid. Administrators had also reported suspicion that suspects were committing bankruptcy fraud by failing to keep and maintain records and withdrawing goods from the estate before the bankruptcy.
Investigations by the FIOD reveal suspicion that money obtained through bankruptcy fraud and scams has been laundered. The suspects have several companies in their names, and large sums of money are transferred back and forth between the many bank accounts of these companies and the suspects.
The investigation is under the direction of the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
Trade relies heavily on trust. Bankruptcy fraud undermines trust in trade, distorts competition and harms society. To ensure that citizens and businesses can have confidence in trade, tackling bankruptcy fraud is of great importance.
Tackling money laundering is a government priority because it is important for effectively combating all kinds of serious crime. Concealing the criminal origin of proceeds of crime enables perpetrators of these crimes to remain beyond the reach of investigative authorities and enjoy the amassed wealth undisturbed.
