Amsterdam community centers raided over suspected subsidy fraud
Acting on suspicions of serious financial crime, Dutch authorities carried out coordinated raids two weeks ago at two community centers operated by Stichting Carabic in Amsterdam-Zuidoost and IJburg, Het Parool reports. The Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (Fiod) and the police arrested a 23-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both residents of Amsterdam, on allegations of subsidy fraud, embezzlement of municipal funds, and money laundering.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed that investigators searched Community Centre Mijehof in Zuidoost and Community Centre Pampuslaan on IJburg. In addition to the two neighborhood facilities, the homes of the suspects were also searched. Phones and computers were seized for further examination.
Authorities suspect the two individuals of issuing improper invoices to Stichting Carabic, which receives substantial financial support from the municipality of Amsterdam. It remains unclear how much money is involved in the alleged scheme. According to the city’s subsidy register, Stichting Carabic was granted more than 3.7 million euros in structural subsidies in 2024 and 2025 to finance projects scheduled to continue until 2030.
The precise relationship between the two suspects and Stichting Carabic has not been disclosed. The 26-year-old woman was held in pre-trial detention for nearly two weeks. Under Dutch law, such detention typically indicates authorities believe there are serious charges and that there may be a risk of flight, repeat offenses, or obstruction of the investigation.
The OM emphasized that the inquiry extends beyond the two suspects. Prosecutors are also examining the role of the foundation, its management, and any other parties directly involved.
In an email to Het Parool, board members Maureen Hubbard and Leila Azzam declined to comment in detail, stating, “We can only say that we are not aware of any wrongdoing.”
Dylan Bakker, a member of the Zuidoost district council representing Bij1 and project leader at Community Centre Mijehof, confirmed his connection to the organization but refrained from discussing the investigation. “As long as the investigation is ongoing and no formal statements have been made, I will not make any substantive comments,” Bakker told Het Parool. “I trust that the authorities will carry out their work carefully and independently.”
Founded in 2015, Stichting Carabic organizes daily community activities, including walk-in consultations for young people, dance and music lessons, and reading afternoons. In 2021, board members Azzam and Hubbard received the Nieuw Amsterdam Prize in recognition of their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they distributed 500 food packages to vulnerable residents in Zuidoost.
It is not yet known whether the criminal investigation will affect ongoing programs or the continuation of municipal subsidies. A spokesperson for Mayor Femke Halsema said, “We cannot anticipate that at this time. The municipality is aware of the criminal investigation and is awaiting the results.”
