The Netherlands’ Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) recently searched the home of a 43-year-old man upon suspicion of money laundering and fraud with the Tozo scheme, a temporary bridging scheme for self-employed entrepreneurs.
FIOD began its criminal investigation after being informed by the police. The authority suspects that the suspect laundered money for criminals through his bank account. The suspicion has arisen because of large cash deposits made without a legal economic statement. Moreover, the suspect’s contacts with people with a criminal record further increase the suspicion.
FIOD also suspects that the suspect founded a sole proprietorship in March 2020 only to misuse the Tozo scheme. While there were no incomes or activities in this company, the suspect had immediately submitted applications to Tozo. Since the suspect has an income from employment that is above the social minimum, he is most likely not entitled to avail Tozo benefits.
Source: FIOD, Netherlands
