What is subversive crime, and how can I recognize it in my business? This was the opening question for the interactive session that took place on June 16 in Rijnsburg. Through the personal story of a former criminal, practical tips from the police, and a live demonstration with sniffer dogs, attendees were given concrete tools to recognize and report criminal influence.

During the meeting, participants actively discussed the challenges they face in their daily work and how they can respond to them. A former criminal shared his personal story and provided attendees with valuable insights into how criminal networks operate and how they attempt to gain a foothold in legitimate businesses and logistics chains. His candid account elicited surprise and a sense of recognition, and provided concrete lessons for those in attendance.

In addition, the police provided practical tips on what business owners and employees should look out for, such as unusual behavior, unusual shipments, or requests that do not fit with normal business operations. They also explained how and where suspicious activity can be reported, and what happens after a report is filed.

Mayor Middelkoop of the municipality of Katwijk reflected on the strength of entrepreneurs and the importance of conducting business in an ethically sound manner. “I am proud of our entrepreneurs, the social backbone of our municipality. This approach is explicitly designed to support bona fide entrepreneurs: people who work hard every day and deserve to do so in a safe and fair environment. We help them minimize risks and recognize early warning signs of criminal influence, while at the same time taking firm action against abuses. In this way, together we keep the floriculture sector strong and future-proof.”

After the summer, a Point of Contact for Subversion (POCO network) will be launched in the Rijnsburg/Katwijk region. Through this network, the police, government agencies, and the business community will work together to identify, prevent, and address criminal activities in and around floriculture businesses at an early stage. This network has now been active in Aalsmeer for one year, and it will also launch in the Westland region this fall.   Together, we will ensure that the floriculture sector remains a safe and resilient sector.