Criminals are gaining more and more influence in neighborhoods, but also on decision-making, while control and visibility from the government is slowly decreasing. This is evident from a report by the Strategic Knowledge Center for Subversive Crime, which is in the hands of the NOS.

A parallel and interwoven economy is emerging in the Netherlands, with crime nestling in real estate, transport, healthcare, catering and retail. This development could create a risky situation, the research agency fears. “The great danger is that a state within a state will emerge.”

“Just like concrete rot, undermining crime works its way in: often invisibly. But in the meantime it insidiously affects the supporting structures of society.” Because the government is in danger of losing control over organized crime, the knowledge center provides numerous advice.

For example, municipalities should have the first right to purchase real estate in designated neighborhoods. With this new pre-emptive right, they can intervene before properties fall back into the hands of rogue landlords or investors. It is also recommended to prevent employees in the public sector who lack integrity from being able to easily move from job to job.

Furthermore, the government should develop an approach to detect cryptocurrencies and make it easier to confiscate valuables and assets with a criminal origin more quickly, even without a conviction.

Research shows that 34 percent of criminal organizations have been active for more than ten years and are able to maintain their influence and power. It is also striking that the knowledge center points out the dangers of declining confidence in government.

“It may be accompanied by a decrease in the willingness to comply with rules or report abuses. A decrease in the authority of the government and a decrease in social control.” Criminal organizations can thrive in this.

There are indications that criminal organizations offer alternatives to social services, such as doctor’s prescriptions, the need for housing or protection. When citizens take up such an offer, they become increasingly dependent.

An example mentioned is during the floods in Valkenburg in 2021. Government assistance did not get off to a good start. Catering entrepreneurs who found themselves in need of money were instead offered financial help from the criminal environment. “Criminals then approach vulnerable entrepreneurs to launder their money, facilitate drug trafficking or make meeting space available.”

The government must also pay more attention to the protection of young people.
“Young people are cheap, replaceable labor for criminal organizations within an illegal economy that is constantly looking for new ‘personnel’. In addition, young people are less legally at risk if arrested.”

Platforms such as Snapchat facilitate large-scale recruitment by making offers to carry out ‘chores’ in groups of tens of thousands of young people. This increases the scale and speed with which young people can be reached and influenced.

The research by the Strategic Knowledge Center for Subversive Crime was commissioned by the government, the Ministry of Justice and Security, to gain insight into the effects of crime on society. The research took more than two years to complete.