Judicial agency error let convicted sex offenders work in childcare, taxi sectors
The Dutch Judicial Information Service (Justid) failed to revoke certificates of conduct (VOGs) for individuals convicted of sex offenses, allowing them to work in sensitive sectors such as childcare and the taxi industry for the past 12 years, according to a letter sent to the Tweede Kamer by State Secretary for Legal Protection, Eric Struycken, RTL reports.
Between 2018 and the present, at least 705 people who should have been barred from working with children or vulnerable groups due to criminal convictions were likely still employed in these sectors. Of those, 477 may still be working in childcare or as taxi drivers, and among them, 142 have criminal records. Six have committed sex offenses. Three of these offenders possibly still work in childcare, while another three remain in the taxi industry.
The root cause was a malfunction in Justid’s computer system, which failed to update and relay critical criminal record information, preventing timely revocation of VOGs. This allowed these individuals to maintain employment where they could pose risks to vulnerable populations.
Struycken emphasized the severity of the problem, telling RTL it is "very serious because people in vulnerable positions, including children, may have been put at risk." The State Secretary expressed regret for the incident and acknowledged the anxiety it might cause among parents, childcare providers, and users of taxi services for children.
The malfunctioning system has now been repaired. Authorities reviewed the data and reportedly stated that three individuals currently working in childcare do not pose a threat. However, one individual in the taxi sector was identified as a "direct risk." The case has been referred to the Dutch Inspectorate for immediate intervention.
