Investigation launched into D66 leader's free beach home

The Public Prosecutor in Arnhem is investigating charges filed against D66 leader Alexander Pechtold after it was revealed that he received an apartment in Scheveningen from a former Canadian diplomat as a gift and dit not report it to parliament's gift register, Omroep Gelderland reports.

Pechtold did not report this gift because he considered it a private matter - he and the Canadian have been friends for years. Parliamentarians are obliged to report all gifts with a value of 50 euros or more. Under pressure, Pechtold eventually reported the beach side apartment last year.

The Public Prosecutor confirmed to Omroep Gelderland that several charges were filed against Pechtold, though what these charges entail is not clear. "We are going to investigate the charges", a spokesperson said to the broadcaster.