News item | 03-20-2026 | 3:30 PM
The bill implementing the Confiscation Directive makes it possible to confiscate valuables and assets with a criminal origin more quickly and effectively. This is currently only possible after a suspect has been convicted, but this will soon also be possible without a suspect being convicted of a crime or without a suspect being in the picture. The responses to the consultation on the bill have been processed. The Council of Ministers has decided to send the bill implementing the Confiscation Directive to the Council of State for advice.
Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security: ‘What can really make a difference here is that the ball shifts more to the stakeholders: you just need to have a good story about how you got your expensive stuff. If the Public Prosecution Service can substantiate that that expensive car was paid for with criminal money, it is up to you to prove the opposite. Or to explain where that load of cash in your home comes from. This allows for more effective confiscation. It is no longer the person, but the money and goods that are central. This is a great next step against the undermining crime in the Netherlands.’
In 2024, agreements have been made at a European level on the more effective seizure of criminal assets. In order to comply with these agreements, the law in the Netherlands is now also being amended. The same criminal procedure within Europe also allows for better cooperation with other EU member states. In addition, the national asset recovery offices of the Member States will work more closely together and seized objects will soon be able to be sold before a criminal case is completed in more cases. This increases yields and limits storage space and storage costs.
