Report warns of growing criminal underworld influence on Dutch economy, society
Governments are less influential in some neighborhoods than criminals are. A parallel and interconnected economy is emerging in the Netherlands, with criminal activity embedding itself in real estate, transport, healthcare, hospitality, and retail, a report from the Strategic Knowledge Center for Subversive Crime obtained by NOS. The government and the Ministry of Justice and Security commissioned this research to better understand the effects of crime on society.
“The major danger is that a state within a state could emerge,” the report warns. “Like concrete rot, subversive crime works its way inward, often invisibly. Meanwhile, it gradually erodes the foundational structures of society.”
Research shows that 34 percent of criminal organizations have been active for more than ten years, suggesting they are able to maintain their influence and power over neighborhoods.
When criminals are more visible than legitimate players, trust in the rule of law among the general population can decrease. “This can be accompanied by a reduced willingness to follow rules or report wrongdoing. A decline in government authority and social control.”
There are indications that criminal organizations offer alternatives to public services, such as medical prescriptions, housing needs, or protection. When citizens accept such offers, they become increasingly dependent.
One example cited is the 2021 floods in Valkenburg. Government assistance did not get underway effectively. Hospitality entrepreneurs in financial distress were instead offered financial help by criminal networks. “Afterward, criminals approach vulnerable entrepreneurs to launder money, facilitate drug trafficking, or provide meeting space.”
The center proposes several recommendations. Municipalities should be granted the first right to purchase property in designated neighborhoods. This would allow legitimate stakeholders to prevent any properties from being bought by criminals.
The government should also develop methods to track cryptocurrency and make it easier to seize assets and valuables of criminal origin, even without a conviction.
The government must also pay more attention to protecting young people, the report notes. “Young people are cheap, replaceable labor for criminal organizations within an illegal economy that is constantly seeking new ‘staff.’ They also face lower legal risks when arrested.”
