World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Ten suspects accused of laundering tens of millions through gold purchases
Dutch prosecutors accuse ten people from several cities of laundering tens of millions of euros in a case being heard in The Hague.
They say the alleged activity ran from about May 2023 to June 2026 and involved buying gold with criminal cash.
In the alleged process, cash was deposited into bank accounts through businesses, then false invoices made the money appear to come from legal business.
Prosecutors say the money was used to buy gold in Belgium, at about one million euros’ worth per month.
They suspect seven people belonged to a criminal group, while one man is also accused of involvement in cocaine trafficking.
The court suspended the suspects’ pre-trial detention under conditions, including travel restrictions and bans on contacting one another, with some exceptions.
The investigation is not complete: investigators still need to examine seized phones and computers and question witnesses, and the next hearing is set for 5 January 2027.
Ten people are suspected of laundering tens of millions of euros in criminal money by converting it into gold.
The suspects are six men and four women from The Hague, Pijnacker, Amersfoort, Oosterhout and Amsterdam, plus one man currently held in Dubai.
Prosecutors say the scheme used cash deposits through companies and false invoices to make the money appear legal before gold was bought in Belgium.
The alleged laundering took place from about May 2023 to June 2026, with gold purchases worth about one million euros per month.
The court suspended the suspects’ pre-trial detention subject to conditions, while the investigation remains incomplete.
- Who
- Six men and four women are suspected. The Public Prosecution Service believes seven were part of a criminal organisation.
- What
- They are suspected of laundering tens of millions of euros and forgery by using criminal cash, false invoices and gold purchases.
- When
- The alleged laundering took place from about May 2023 to June 2026. The first court hearing was held on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The suspects are linked to The Hague, Pijnacker, Amersfoort, Oosterhout and Amsterdam; gold was bought in Belgium.
- Why
- Not stated. Investigators have not established where the laundered money came from or what motivated the suspects.
Prosecution Service
Suspects
Risk and detention
Prosecution Service
The prosecution opposed suspending detention for the suspects except the woman who is heavily pregnant, warning that the operation could resume.
Suspects
The court suspended the suspects’ pre-trial detention subject to conditions.
The alleged laundering scheme operated, according to prosecutors.
Police raided 11 locations across the Netherlands and arrested most of the suspects.
The first hearing took place at The Hague court, where the court suspended the suspects’ pre-trial detention subject to conditions.
The next hearing is scheduled, but the case is not expected to be considered on its merits then.
- Suspects
- 10: six men and four women
- Alleged laundering period
- About May 2023 to June 2026
- Gold purchases
- About €1 million per month
- Police raids
- 11 locations across the Netherlands on 30 June 2026
- Next hearing
- 5 January 2027
3 sources
What people are saying
Het gaat om het witwassen van tientallen miljoenen euro crimineel geld door omzetting in goud
Ieder van hen speelde een sleutelrol in het proces
Wie het voor elkaar krijgt om op grote schaal miljoenen euro's wit te wassen, is voor criminelen van grote waarde