The Netherlands’ Approach to Combating Organized Crime
The Netherlands has a complex and multifaceted approach to combating organized crime. While the country faces criticism for its issues with drug trafficking, it has not fallen under the control of organized crime groups.
Effective Mechanisms for Victim Support
- The government has effective mechanisms in place to support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
- These mechanisms are designed to provide assistance and protection to those affected by organized crime.
Concerns Over Punishment of Perpetrators
- Critics argue that the punishment meted out to convicted perpetrators, particularly in cases of sexual violence, is too mild.
- This can be detrimental to victims, as it may not serve as a sufficient deterrent against future crimes.
Challenges in Combating Organized Crime
- The Netherlands’ location and major ports make it a key location for trafficking, especially of drugs, firearms, and humans.
- Membership in the Schengen area prohibits permanent border controls, making it challenging to monitor and track illicit flows of goods and people once they enter the country.
Efforts at the EU Level
- The Dutch government has contributed to response efforts at the EU level, but its position on money laundering is unclear.
- De-risking, a transaction-facilitation strategy pursued by several banks, may be seen as an indicator of ineffective money laundering and terrorism financing mechanisms.
Collaboration with the Business Sector
- Since the 1990s, the Netherlands has focused on reducing administrative burdens for businesses.
- The government is collaborating with the business sector to prevent criminal actors from exploiting legitimate businesses for illicit purposes.
- Vulnerable sectors include finance, administration, law, real estate, and food services.
Concerns Over Tax Haven Status
- The country is flagged as a tax haven, with transnational criminal actors targeting and exploiting its Caribbean territories.
- An action plan for safe entrepreneurship is currently being renewed with plans for extension. In general, it is easy to do business in the country.
Ongoing Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking
- Despite efforts to prevent human trafficking through awareness campaigns, inspections, training for personnel, and assistance to foreign governments, concerns persist over the mild punishment of convicted perpetrators, especially in the context of sexual violence.