The police searched four homes and two buildings in Vlaardingen, Schiedam, and Rotterdam. They received assistance from sniffer dog Jonas. Special equipment was also used to search for hidden spaces, with results. Thousands of euros in cash, gold jewelry, and several expensive watches were found and seized. Additionally, three cars and various phones and other data carriers were confiscated.  

The criminal investigation started with data that the police uncovered in 2021 during a crypto communication investigation. Analysis of decrypted crypto communication data from the communication service SkyECC brought the men into the spotlight. The suspects will be presented to the Examining Magistrate on Friday. The investigation continues in the meantime.

Crypto Communication Data
Crypto communication data are messages and data obtained from communication between encrypted phones. These phones are popular among criminals. Criminals mistakenly believe that they can operate in secret, out of sight of law enforcement agencies, and cannot be caught. Meanwhile, the police, together with various partners in the Netherlands and abroad, have dismantled several crypto communication platforms.
The investigation team in Rotterdam is fully committed to crypto cases every day. They analyze and interpret information from intercepted crypto communication data from various crypto communication platforms.

Week of Undermining
Next week is “The Week Against Undermining.” “And that is not without reason,” says the leader of the investigation team. “Billions of euros are involved in the drug trade. The illegal income from this is then laundered, with various consequences for ordinary daily life. This is not a distant problem; it often happens right under your nose. Think of corruption, threats, and excessive violence, often just on the street. That’s why we are tackling this hard.” 
Residents play a crucial role in the approach. They are the eyes and ears in the neighborhood. They often notice first when something is wrong. By reporting suspicious situations and misconduct, crime can be prevented or addressed. Curious about what signals might indicate undermining, take a look at www.houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl.

If you have information but find it daunting to share it directly with the police via 0900-8844, you can contact the foundation Meld Misdaad Anoniem via 0800-7000. The staff of this foundation will take your information anonymously and pass it on to the police anonymously.