The investigation focuses on criminal activities involving multiple transport companies. Narcotics from South America arrive in the Netherlands via the port of Antwerp, after which they are further transported to the United Kingdom.
Transport companies from Bunde and Nuth, based at Maastricht-Aachen Airport, played a crucial role in this.
Four Arrests
A 41-year-old man from Geleen and a 45-year-old man from Meers (municipality of Stein) were arrested on Monday afternoon. The man from Meers is also the owner of several transport companies used in the criminal activities. Additionally, a 35-year-old woman from Geleen and a 34-year-old man from Oirsbeek were arrested. They own a transport company in Nuth that also plays an important role in this investigation.
The investigation has revealed that the suspects earned millions of euros from these activities.
220 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized
On Monday morning, police intercepted a transport of approximately 120 kilograms of cocaine in Weert. Two suspects were arrested in this operation. One is a man without a permanent residence and the other is a man from Woensdrecht. Last Thursday, police also seized a shipment of 100 kilos of cocaine in the United Kingdom. The driver was arrested in that case.
Investigation
A police investigation team in Limburg has been working on this case for some time and is collaborating with various partners, including the FIOD, Belgian and English authorities, and other investigation teams.
Initially, the investigation focused on the arrested suspect from Meers. It emerged that he likely used his transport companies to carry out criminal activities, specifically the import and export of narcotics. In recent months, it became clear that there was a larger network of transport companies involved. Information obtained from encrypted phones provided further leads for the investigation team.
Modus Operandi
The transport companies are central to the export of thousands of kilograms of cocaine to the United Kingdom. Initially, prepared battery packs were used. When this method came to light, they switched to using hollow metal cylinders. Filled with narcotics, these goods left the country under the direction of the suspect from Geleen. This was done through a company in Beek (L). The transport companies of the 41-year-old suspect from Meers were used for this.
The battery packs were then returned empty to a warehouse in Elsloo (L), which is also owned by the suspect from Meers. In the United Kingdom, fictitious companies were used, which were mentioned on the customs documents.
Acceleration
With the interception of the two transports and the arrest of the two suspects on Monday morning, the investigation gained momentum. This led the investigation team to arrest the four suspects on Monday afternoon. Searches were conducted at 18 locations, including six homes in Meers, Geleen, Oirsbeek, and Geulle, as well as 12 business premises in Landgraaf, Bunde, Genhout (municipality of Beek (L)), Maastricht-Aachen Airport, Sittard, Geleen, Elsloo (L), Nuth, and Hoensbroek. The business in Genhout was a riding school.
Seized
During the searches, 23 vehicles (transport vehicles, vans, trailers, and luxury cars), art, large sums of money, expensive clothing and jewelry, racehorses, luxury watches, two firearms, data carriers, cash counting machines, phones, and 315 kilograms of cocaine were seized. Seizures were also made of bank assets and the homes and businesses, including a riding school, of the four suspects.
Progress of the Investigation
With the arrests and the seized items, the investigation is not stopping. The suspects will be presented to the examining magistrate this week.
Mixing of Underworld and Upper World
This investigation clearly shows the mixing of the upper and underworld. The lines between the upper world (the ordinary society) and the underworld (criminals) are blurring. Criminals establish companies for their activities, apply for permits, and rent or buy premises. They require cooperation from the upper world such as real estate agents, car rental companies, accounting firms, and notaries. Undermining is a problem that weakens and ultimately disrupts society.
In light of the findings in this undermining investigation, several follow-up actions will be initiated. The National Bureau Bibob (LBB) will be informed about the criminal offenses committed by the transport companies.
Additionally, a registered accountant and notary were found to be implicated in the investigation. The Financial Supervisory Authority will also be involved. Information from the investigation will also be shared with various municipalities so that administrative interventions may be carried out.
Undermining in the Transport Sector
The Netherlands is a transport and logistics hub for the entire world. While this is positive for our economy and employment, it also brings vulnerabilities. It is not only a transport hub for legal goods but also for illegal goods such as narcotics, weapons, and money. These can enter and exit our country via various routes. This form of crime can bring violence and undermines the transport sector and government. Criminals exploit legal facilities, companies, and transport agencies to carry out and transport illegal activities. Due to this mixing of the underworld and upper world, entrepreneurs and transporters become involved in undermining crime. The police prioritize tackling the transport of illegal goods such as weapons and drugs and the illegal transport of persons. Criminals need transport (across regions and borders); it is an indispensable link in the criminal business process.