📰 Follow the Money · 28
NetherlandsLand under Trump-Kushner resort is focus of drug money laundering investigation
The article discusses an ongoing investigation into the luxury resort project planned by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Albania alongside Qatari investors. The project has sparked national protests and led to a legal inquiry into conflicts of interest. Documents obtained by Follow the Money indicate a second criminal investigation focusing on money laundering and drug trafficking.
The House of Commons is sparing itself an embarrassing appeal in question - Arab
The Second Chamber (Tweede Kamer) has avoided an embarrassing higher appeal in the Arib case.
Two new nuclear power stations, the biggest project since the Delta Works: can Zeeuws-Vlaanderen cope with that?
The Dutch government and the province of Zeeland are exploring locations for two planned nuclear power plants. Residents of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen are trying to understand what the construction of these plants would mean for the region. The article also includes other topics such as Tata Steel's pollution, an interview with Rinke Zonneveld from Invest-NL, the cost of the energy transition, and a legal ruling regarding Bonaire's protection against climate change.
European public prosecutor investigates possible fraud at green investor
The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating InnoEnergy, an investor in clean technology based in Amsterdam, following suspicions of fraud involving EU funds. The investigation was initiated by a Swedish entrepreneur who received assistance from InnoEnergy but later suspected fraudulent activity related to EU funding.
The Commission's proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks of pollution and pollution
The article discusses the housing crisis in the Netherlands, focusing on how corporations are allegedly violating tenants' rights during renovations aimed at sustainability. Minister Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan (D66) is investigating these claims. The piece highlights ongoing debates around housing shortages and policy challenges.
We're opening a new file: the 2027 food crisis.
The article introduces a new dossier focusing on the food crisis of 2027. It is part of a climate newsletter by Ties Joosten, an adjunct chief editor who writes about climate, aviation, power plants, and livestock farming.
The food crisis caused by the Iran war is going to be much worse than we think
The article discusses the potential severity of a food crisis caused by the Iran war, citing predictions from the United Nations World Food Programme. It highlights that even with the announced reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the estimated 45 million people facing acute hunger is likely an underestimation. The article also mentions investors betting $9 billion on food shortages due to the conflict and explores how multinational corporations influence agriculture and food prices.
A Dutch chemical company knowingly supplied raw materials for Iraqi chemical weapons
The article discusses the upcoming higher appeal case involving victims of chemical weapons against the former Dutch chemical company Melchemie, which supplied raw materials for chemical weapons to Iraq in the 1980s. It reveals that the company's management was aware of the risks but continued trading with Saddam Hussein's regime. The article also references other related topics such as Shell's activities in Russia after MH17, the government's violation of arms export restrictions, and Russian oligarchs seeking billions from Ukraine through European trade agreements.
Speculating on rising raw material prices is just fine, says this former cocoa trader
A former commodity trader argues that speculation on rising raw material prices is beneficial for market functioning, countering concerns that speculators profit at the expense of farmers and consumers.
On the operating table of this 82-year-old surgeon, there was a lot going wrong.
Plastic surgeon Joost van Tetering from Bloemendaal claims to belong to the top tier of his field. However, patients leave his clinic with traumas and lasting complaints. For years, he was able to operate without interruption.
Head of the Hungarian Anti-Corruption Organisation suspected of corruption
The director of Hungary's anti-corruption authority, Ferenc Biró, has been accused by the Hungarian Public Prosecution Service of money laundering and document forgery. The charges allege he embezzled €400,000 from his organization. Biró denies the allegations, calling them 'completely unjust.' He previously faced accusations of abuse of power and embezzlement, which he also denied, claiming they were politically motivated. Biró stated that his organization, the Authority for Integrity, was pressured by the previous government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to halt certain corruption cases
Clean European cars are full of parts from polluting Indian factories
An investigation by Follow the Money reveals that the production of components for European electric vehicles contributes to pollution in India. The article highlights Amphenol, a company producing parts for electric cars, which discharges wastewater into an open sewer. It also mentions other environmental issues such as pollution from Tata Steel's coke plants and PFAS contamination at Schiphol.
The Food and Commodity Authority will again comply with the law, following the strong advice of the State Prosecutor
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) was found to have bypassed the court for two years when handling information requests related to the agricultural sector. After Follow the Money reported on this issue, the NVWA sought legal advice from the State Advocate, who concluded that the law does not allow for this approach. The NVWA has stated it will adjust its methods.
Judge adjudicates on disputes between European institutions
A court ruling against the European Court of Auditors could strengthen the position of European prosecutors. At the same time, it makes it harder for EU institutions to resist criminal investigations into corruption and fraud.
How Agrolobbyists Grow Angry Farmers
The article discusses concerns raised by agricultural lobbyists regarding the potential negative impacts of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farming. It highlights fears among farmers about stricter regulations and possible economic consequences.
Smart oncology research saves hundreds of millions, but politics is in doubt
An oncologist, Gabe Sonke, argues that cancer patients are often prescribed expensive medications with uncertain effectiveness and significant side effects. He advocates for challenging the medical dogma that prioritizes treatment over evidence-based decision-making.
These mercenaries guard Russian oil tankers and tell FTM how to do it
The article discusses how private military contractors, referred to as 'huursoldaten' (mercenaries), are guarding Russian oil tankers in the North Sea. It explores their methods and operations, highlighting the involvement of European and Ukrainian companies in Russia's shadow fleet. The piece also touches on Western sanctions failing to curb Russian oil trade and the ongoing international investigation into the exploitation of the North Sea by energy companies, shipowners, sand miners, and fishermen.
Why doesn't Tata Steel just stop polluting its coke factories?
The article analyzes the controversy surrounding Tata Steel's potential closure of its coke plants in IJmuiden, focusing on the financial implications and environmental impact. It examines claims by the minister that closing the plants would cost 12 billion euros, which the article suggests may be an overestimation. The piece also highlights leaked documents indicating Tata Steel must raise 685 million euros due to slow progress in sustainability efforts.
Podcast Climate lawyer Wewerinke-Singh: Despite the legal successes of the opposition, there is hope
The article introduces a podcast interview with climate lawyer Wewerinke-Singh, discussing legal successes despite opposition, which is seen as hopeful. The podcast series 'Follow the Money interviewt' features interviews with key figures involved in various dossiers, including regulators, scientists, politicians, and lawyers. Topics range from fraud and money laundering to agricultural policy and the rule of law. Specific segments mentioned include discussions on bringing the climate crisis to the highest world court, the cost of the energy transition, the Greenpeace vs. State case regardingB
Why we're proud of an award we didn't win
The article discusses the considerations and external factors that influence editorial decisions at Follow the Money, including what makes an article suitable for publication and the forces that shape their reporting. It also touches on behind-the-scenes processes and the judgments made by the editorial team.
"Gronings chemical company dumped salt waste illegally around the Dutch-Belgian border"
A chemical company based in Farmsum, Groningen, has allegedly illegally dumped approximately 5 million kilograms of salt waste near the Dutch-Belgian border over the past three years, according to an investigation by Follow The Money (FTM) and BN De Stem. This activity is believed to have caused serious soil contamination in the border region. The Public Prosecution Service has launched a criminal investigation into the matter. The company, Dutch Glycerin Refinery (DGR), produces glycerine used in cosmetics and cleaning products, which generates significant amounts of salt waste. Previously, D
Ministry: only European companies will be allowed to manage DigiD
The Dutch Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided that only European companies may bid for the management of DigiD, following the planned sale of current provider Solvinity to the American company Kyndryl. This decision aims to ensure that sensitive digital identity services remain under European control.
Defense is deceiving the Second Chamber and continuing to cooperate with the controversial arms dealer
The article reports that the Dutch Ministry of Defense ordered weapons worth hundreds of millions of euros from a former taxi driver, Martijn Walraven, whose company was under criminal investigation. After questions were raised in parliament, the ministry stated the contracts were taken over by another company, but it turns out Walraven remains involved. The article also explores how Walraven obtained information about lucrative defense deals and highlights concerns about a successful munitions initiative for Ukraine potentially benefiting arms companies financially.
Millions of decisions of the Tax Service may be vulnerable to the courts
The article discusses potential legal vulnerabilities in decisions made by the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), suggesting that millions of decisions could be challenged in court.
From Indian labs to Dutch webshops: the billions-dollar trade in designer drugs
An investigation by Follow the Money and NOS reveals that Dutch companies imported over €46 million worth of designer drugs from Indian laboratories, with an estimated street value of nearly €2 billion. The report highlights how easily these substances are produced abroad and sold through Dutch webshops, posing significant health risks.
Billions of government purchases go through software owned by US private equity
The Dutch government uses software called Mercell, developed by a Norwegian company now owned by American private equity, to manage public procurement worth tens of billions of euros. The article highlights concerns about transparency and potential regulatory violations as Mercell has become a monopoly in this sector. It also mentions academic criticism regarding the importance of procurement rules in democratic processes and notes that the Netherlands is the least transparent EU country in public tenders.
Volkswagen wins years of competition against Dutch smuggler
In 2017, Volkswagen was fined by the Netherlands for misleading consumers with defeat devices in their diesel cars. The company did not disclose this fine to its shareholders but fought it legally. Recently, Volkswagen won this legal battle definitively.
DigiD's deadly successor is not available without a Gmail account or Apple ID
The article discusses concerns regarding the new digital identity app, NL Wallet, which relies on software from American tech giants Apple and Google. The research by Follow the Money reveals this dependency, prompting the ministry to consider ways to reduce reliance on these companies. The article also references previous issues with DigiD, including privacy concerns and potential access by Americans.