Another investigation launched into prosecutors suspended over secret love affair

On Tuesday the Rijksrecherche launched an investigation into possible criminal offenses committed by former chief prosecutors Marc van Nimwegen and Marianne Bloos, who were previously suspended because of a secret love affair. This is a so-called exploratory investigation of facts. If there are indications that criminal offenses were committed, a criminal investigation will be launched, NU.nl reports

The Rijksrecherche, the department that handles internal investigations at government services like the police and Public Prosecution Service, is investigating whether the two former prosecutors made improper use of paid services of the Public Prosecution Service, such as company cars. Investigators are also looking at expense claims for hotels, restaurants, the rebooking of a return flight, and a hotel stay during a conference in Bangkok in 2012.

In addition, the Rijksrecherche is also investigating whether Van Nimwegen committed a criminal offense when he as Attorney General concluded a business agreement with software company on behalf of the Public Prosecution Service. The company belongs to Van Nimwegen's brother-in-law.

This investigation was prompted by an earlier investigation by a committee led by Jan Watse Fokkens after NRC reported about the affair between Van Nimwegen and Bloos and how it soured the atmosphere at the Public Prosecution Service. The Fokkens committee concluded that the concealment of the relationship and Van Nimwegen's involvement in the business agreement constituted breaches of integrity.