Corrupt security cop did not put charges in danger; Govt. considers info leak "very serious"
There is no reason to believe that an information leak discovered in the Safety and Security Service of the police put any of the people under the Service's protection in danger, Minister Stef Blok of Security and Justice wrote to parliament on Wednesday. The government is taking the matter "very seriously", Prime Minister Mark Rutte said, ANP reports.
On Wednesday it was revealed that a member of the Security Service, which is tasked with protecting the Royal Family and threatened politicians including Geert Wilders, was arrested on suspicion of leaking information to a Dutch-Moroccan criminal gang. Rutte and Blok met with Wilders after the revelation.
On Facebook Rutte wrote that the finds the entire matter "appalling" and that the government is taking it "very seriously". He added that the "necessary measures" are being taken. "Politicians should be able to do their work. Always and everywhere. That is the bottom line. Anyone who needs protection must be able to trust it completely."
The PVV leader is satisfied with the way in which the government is handling the problem with his security. "I do not respond to questions about my safety" he wrote on Twitter. "It is a serious business and I am happy that the cabinet is taking it seriously too." Wilders has been under increased security for years due to threats.
The Telegraaf reported that the corrupt officer in question worked specifically on the Wilders team. But the Public Prosecutor stated that this is not true, according to ANP. The officer will be arraigned on Thursday. He is in restricted custody, which means that he is only allowed contact with his lawyer.
According to Blok, the risks caused by the information leak were assessed and there is no indication that any of the guarded persons are in additional danger. He reiterated that "all necessary measures" are being implemented.
Police Chief Erik Akerboom also stated that Wilders was never in any additional danger.
