Cause

The involved services received signals that:

  • Freelancers in the sector are actually not independent entrepreneurs and transport packages without their own NIWO permit, sometimes using a permit provided by third parties (punishable under the Road Transport Goods Act);
  • Vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers, are forced or lured into starting transport companies for payment;
  • Drivers are systematically paid under the table or below the legal minimum wage;
  • Foreigners are working in depots without a valid work permit;
  • Package sorters and their logistics chain are being exploited for the transport of illegal goods and the laundering of criminal proceeds.

Collaboration

The inspection was a collaboration between the RIEC Amsterdam-Amstelland (Regional Information and Expertise Center) and the TIEC (Transport Information and Expertise Center).

The RIEC Amsterdam Amstelland (AA) is a partnership of, among others, the municipalities in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region, police, Public Prosecution Service, the Tax Authority, FIOD, and Customs. The RIEC.AA focuses as a partnership on jointly disrupting the drug economy and thus undermining crime.

The TIEC was established with the aim of reducing national irregularities in the transport sector. This collaboration consists of the following parties:

  • The police, National Expertise and Operations Unit (LX)
  • The Dutch Labor Inspectorate
  • Environmental and Transport Inspectorate (ILT)
  • National and International Road Transport Organization (NIWO, permit provider in the transport sector)
  • Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
  • Customs
  • Public Prosecution Service

During this inspection on September 30, the National Expertise and Operations Unit (LX), Police Region Amsterdam, the Dutch Labor Inspectorate, the Tax Authority, and Customs were involved. Each partner acted during the operation based on their own authorities.

Results of the Inspection

The police LX and the Amsterdam police region acted as supervisors of transport legislation, checking for valid permits, the unlawful use of transport permits, and possible false employment structures. An investigation was also conducted into chain liability, which is punishable under Article 2.14 of the Road Transport Goods Act. A total of 30 transport checks were carried out, and discussions were held with the present employees.

Currently, additional investigations are being conducted into all transport companies that transport goods for the package sorter. There is a strong suspicion that several transport companies are using (false) self-employed transport entrepreneurs. These freelancers often do not have their own transport permit (NIWO permit). They often use the permit of another carrier or think they are not subject to permit requirements because the vehicle has a payload of under 500KG.

Since January 1, 2024, every vehicle used for professional goods transport has required a permit if the allowed maximum mass exceeds 2,500kg. Due to this legislative change, most of these carriers using vans have become subject to permit requirements.

Driving without a valid NIWO permit and providing these permits to third parties is legally prohibited. The involved parties will strictly monitor and enforce this.