It starts with a report of a suspicious situation at a business premises in the municipality of Aalsmeer. The municipality – as supervisor – decides to carry out a check together with the police on Tuesday, March 13. During that check, they see that there has been tampering with electricity and that several enclosures have been made in the premises where people were sleeping. There are also several indications that cigarettes are being produced illegally in the premises.

Colleagues from the Undermining Network Mainports immediately initiate an investigation together with Customs. During the investigation, they arrive at a business premises in the municipality of Amstelveen. There, the millions of cigarettes, tobacco, and other materials are found.

After the discovery, the smoke team from the FIOD and Customs takes over the investigation. All goods, cigarettes, and tobacco have been seized. Several trucks are needed to empty the premises. Two suspects – a 36- and 37-year-old man, both of Armenian nationality – have been arrested.

Neighborhoods must be safe and livable. Various government agencies are trying to combat undermining crime as much as possible. You too – as a citizen, entrepreneur, or (sub)tenant – can help. If there are things that deviate or stand out in another way, report them to the municipality or the police. This can be done via 0900-8844, but of course also anonymously via 0800-7000.