Four Dutch charities investigated for fraud, money laundering

The police are investigating four charities for money laundering and fraud due to suspicions that much of the money donated to them did not actually end up doing charitable work, news wire ANP reports. The charities involved are the Nederlandse Stichting voor Hulp aan Dieren, Stichting Werelddier, Stichting Menodi and Stichting Help. The first three give aid and emergency aid to animals. Stichting Help is a general relief organization with a broad objective. The investigation follows several reports of suspicious transactions, reported by the bank where the charities have their accounts. On Wednesday the police raided various homes and businesses in the Netherlands and Germany. Administration, cars, money and real estate were seized. No one was arrested. The police will also approach those who donated money to these charities.