In the City Hall of The Hague, the National Criminal Investigation Department searches the offices of two aldermen and the workplaces of a number of civil servants. The investigation focuses on official corruption, bribery and violation of official secrecy.
These are Richard de Mos and Rachid Guernaoui. The former is alderman for Economy, Sport and Outdoor Space and in addition 1st deputy mayor, Guernaoui is alderman for Finance, Integration and Districts. They are suspected of arranging permits against payment, among other things. Both aldermen are members of the political party Groep de Mos / Hart for The Hague.
Dozens of investigators
The homes of the aldermen and the addresses of three entrepreneurs in The Hague who are suspected of bribery are also searched. An examining magistrate from the Rotterdam District Court is in charge of the searches. Dozens of government investigators and two prosecutors are also taking part in the campaign.
This concerns a suspicion about, among other things, the Zalencentrum Opera and the night permit granted to this company. The owner is entrepreneur Atilla Akyol; he was list pusher (place 35) of De Mos / Hart Group for The Hague in the municipal elections in 2018.
The discussion about the relationship between Akyol and De Mos has been going on for a long time. Two years ago, for example, there were already allegations of favoritism between De Mos and entrepreneurs, the ADreported .
Night permits
Akyol is said to have supported the party financially in exchange for, among other things, confidential information from the city council. He was not available for comment this afternoon. In addition, a party council member is suspected of being involved in official corruption.
Press officer Jirko Patist: “Among other things, this concerns permits in the hospitality industry, in particular night permits. There were indications that permits could be purchased against payment. That was the reason to start this investigation. It is now still suspected that people are involved bribery or granting permits that would have been paid for. At the moment there is no reason to arrest people, but I don’t exclude anything. “
Consultation city council
Mayor Pauline Krikke has convened all the group chairmen of the Hague city council for consultation, this afternoon at 2 p.m. Krikke responded on Twitter that she was very shocked:
