Utrecht agency sent unqualified care workers with fake diplomas; 15 under investigation
A Dutch employment agency placed dozens of independent healthcare workers in medical facilities using falsified diplomas, leading to a criminal investigation against 15 individuals, according to authorities.
A large-scale investigation by the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) uncovered over 60 cases of workers operating in the healthcare sector without proper credentials. The agency, identified as Samen-Zorgzaam B.V., supplied personnel to multiple healthcare institutions across the Netherlands.
According to IGJ reports, “Unqualified personnel have been found working directly with vulnerable patients, leading to an increasing number of serious incidents and safety risks.” Some workers reportedly had connections to organizations with extremist motivations.
Health inspectors have documented numerous incidents linked to unqualified personnel in Dutch healthcare facilities. Reports detail cases of severe burns from improper bathing procedures, incorrect catheter insertions causing injury, and even instances where patients were recruited for criminal activities.
The Ministry of Justice and Security confirmed that legal action is now being pursued against a fraction of the identified cases, while others remain outside the scope of prosecution due to legal technicalities.
Samen-Zorgzaam B.V., founded in 2018 and based in Utrecht, facilitated staffing in mental health care, elderly care, and disability support. Investigative journalists from RTL Nieuws traced its involvement to some of the largest healthcare providers in the country, including Zozijn, Alliade, De Trans-Espria, and Arkin. Documents obtained by RTL confirm that unqualified workers were active in facilities operated by these organizations at the time of the investigation.
André den Exter, associate professor of health law at Erasmus University, condemned the oversight. “The care provider is responsible. They must ensure quality healthcare. That is a legal obligation,” he said. “It is straightforward: human resources must verify an employee’s qualifications before hiring.”
The IGJ and law enforcement agencies have expressed growing concerns about fraudulent employment agencies operating within the Dutch healthcare sector. Recent reports suggest that some agencies have direct links to organized crime. Authorities have identified cases where violent criminals, including drug traffickers and ATM bombers, managed to secure jobs in healthcare settings using falsified credentials.
Despite the clear dangers posed by unqualified personnel, oversight reportedly remains inadequate. The number of healthcare staffing agencies has surged in recent years, with hundreds operating nationwide and managing an estimated 3 billion euros in healthcare funding annually. However, no dedicated authority exists to regulate these agencies, leaving room for abuse.
Investigators found that Samen-Zorgzaam was flagged after multiple complaints were lodged with IGJ. In collaboration with the Labor Inspectorate, police, the Municipality of Utrecht, and the Public Prosecution Service, authorities launched an in-depth probe that led to the discovery of dozens of fraudulent placements.
Of the more than 60 identified unqualified workers, only 15 are facing criminal charges for using falsified diplomas. The remaining individuals—who lacked any formal healthcare certification but were not found to have forged documents—are unlikely to face prosecution.
According to Den Exter, this is a major loophole in the legal framework. “Lying about qualifications is unethical, but if there is no evidence of illegal medical practices, prosecution becomes difficult,” he said. “The only solution is stricter enforcement by care institutions and the IGJ.”
Company registration records reviewed by RTL Nieuws show that the three owners of Samen-Zorgzaam recently launched a new employment agency under the name Talenzo. When questioned, one of the owners denied knowledge of the ongoing criminal investigation and stated, “We operate according to regulations. No authority has informed us of any violations.”
RTL Nieuws reached out to the healthcare providers that worked with Samen-Zorgzaam. Three institutions confirmed that they have terminated their contracts with the agency. However, disability care provider Zozijn continues to work with Samen-Zorgzaam, stating, “Only a fraction of the independent contractors were involved in fraud. We now verify all diplomas internally.”
