The search was part of an investigation of a large-scale scam including stealing, laundering, bankruptcy and VAT-fraud. One person has been arrested for the possession of a gun.

Investigation

The police, the FIOD and the National Office of the Public Prosecutor (OM) investigated the scams that were executed by companies at the flower auction in Aalsmeer. The investigating authorities received a number of reports of fraud, embezzlement and forged documents.

Flowers and chocolate

Research indicates that the flower business ordered large amounts of flowers, which it did not pay for. After receiving the orders, the criminals made their own firm bankrupt, causing other flower suppliers suffer losses that could equate to thousands of Euro. In addition, the investigators suggested that the suspects might be linked to stealing huge amounts of boxes full of exclusive chocolate.

Search

On Thursday, six homes and three companies were searched. Tens of thousands of Euros, a weapon, ammunition and a large number of stolen chocolate was found. As yet, no one has been arrested.

In order to understand the scale of this case, an extensive investigation needs to take place.