The Police Unit East Brabant began an investigation in the autumn of 2023 in collaboration with the Police Unit Limburg after information was received regarding a company in Venray. There were suspicions that criminal money flows were being funneled into this business, money that was earned through drug trafficking. Employee salaries were allegedly partially paid in cash. Additionally, invoices were reportedly recorded in the administration without any corresponding service being provided. Thanks to the potential criminal money flows, the company could offer its services at a lower price than competing businesses.
Suspects
The arrested suspects include two men (41 and 39) from Eindhoven, including the owner of the company in question. Additionally, there is a 43-year-old man from the municipality of Horst aan de Maas and a 53-year-old woman from Venray. Further investigation will determine whether and to what extent they are involved in the production and trade of narcotics, large-scale money laundering of criminal proceeds, forgery, and fraud. The arrested suspects are under all restrictions, and for that reason, no further information can be shared at this time.
Searches
The police are searching 29 homes and business premises in North Brabant, Gelderland, and Limburg. These include properties in municipalities such as Eindhoven, Arnhem, Horst aan de Maas, Helmond, Someren, Venray, Halderberge, and Lingewaard. The police are searching for cash, luxury goods, administrative documents, and data carriers. The police do not rule out the possibility of further arrests at a later date.
Signs of Money Laundering
Money laundering is a form of undermining: conducting transactions to hide the origin of illegally obtained money. This money comes from criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, theft, social and fiscal fraud. The money is often used to support an expensive lifestyle and is spent on items such as cars, houses, expensive clothing, or accessories. With laundered money, criminals can also gain influence over individuals, businesses, and legal sectors. This poses a serious threat to the economy, which is taken seriously by the police, the Public Prosecution Service, and other partners.