Expertise
WWFT/FIOD
Specialized legal assistance for entrepreneurs, directors, and organizations
We serve organizations from a wide variety of sectors and advise on issues within administrative law. These issues may concern subsidies, environmental law, permits, enforcement decisions, or legal proceedings. We provide legal advice to SMEs, as well as to listed companies and international enterprises.
- We worked for, among others:
What we do
WWFT stands for the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act. There are various organizations to which the Wwft applies. These include:
- The bank
- Administrative offices
- Notary offices
- Trust office etc.
The Wwft focuses on stopping criminals from committing crimes. The FIOD is an investigative agency of the Tax and Customs Administration and is part of the Ministry of Finance.
Both the Wwft and the FIOD aim, through financial investigation, to assist aggrieved parties in tracing digital exhibitors of various types of financial fraud. By investigating (partially) open and closed internet sources, documents, and various forms of data providers, the investigation yields evidence to prove financial fraud.
When fraud occurs, matters are intentionally misrepresented to gain an advantage. When someone commits fraud, there are consequences. If you have committed fraud and the fraudster receives money from the government and the government discovers it, the fraudster must repay the received amount. The government may also demand a fine on top of that.
If there are suspicions of fraud, a report must be made via Meld Misdaad Anoniem.
Examples of fraud are:
- Scam
- Real estate fraud
- Money laundering of obtained (fraudulent) funds.
FIU-Netherlands defines money laundering as: 'Having actions performed whereby an increase in assets concealed from the law acquires an apparent legal origin. Money laundering is the concealment of the origin of money. There are various methods of money laundering; all of these methods are punishable! The penalties vary. It depends on the form and how often someone was knowingly engaged in money laundering.'.
All sellers have a reporting obligation. If the seller suspects that the payment of an amount exceeding €10,000 is connected to money laundering, the seller must make a report. The report must be made via the reporting portal of the Financial Intelligence Unit-Netherlands. The bank also has a reporting obligation. This applies, for example, to separate contract deposits into accounts. If this is not done, the person who was supposed to make the report is also liable to prosecution!
It does not matter how fraud or money laundering is committed; it is a criminal offense!
We have an experienced team of lawyers and legal experts in the field of Investigation & Public Enforcement. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.
Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Corporate Law · Lawyer
In specialized legal cases, it is not just about the legal rule. It is also about evidence, timing, negotiating position, and the business implications of every step.
What we help with
We assist entrepreneurs and organizations with legal questions where careful assessment, strategy, and execution are important.
- Assessment of your legal position
- Analysis of contracts, decisions, correspondence, and supporting documents
- Advice on liability, defense, and strategy
- Drafting or reviewing legal correspondence
- Negotiation with counterparty, trustee, shareholder or advisor
- Guidance during escalation, proceedings, or settlement
When should you call in a specialist?
Legal assistance is particularly valuable when the stakes are high, deadlines are running, or when an incorrect response could weaken your position.
- There is a claim, demand, or notice of liability
- You are unsure whether to respond, negotiate, or litigate
- There are major financial or reputational risks
- The other party exerts pressure or uses short deadlines
- You want to prevent a response from being used against you later
- You want to know in advance what is legally and commercially sound
Assess first, then respond
In specialized cases, an initial response can be decisive for the subsequent course of action. An admission, incomplete explanation, or the wrong tone could be used against you later. Therefore, we first assess exactly what is being alleged, which facts have been established, which documents are missing, and which strategy aligns with your best interests.
Our approach
You will not receive an abstract legal account, but a practical assessment of your position, risks, and next steps.
01
Intake and initial assessment
We will briefly discuss the situation, the available documents, and your primary interests.
02
Analysis of position and risks
We assess your legal position, supporting documents, deadlines, and possible next steps.
03
Strategic advice
You will receive concrete advice on the best course of action: responding, negotiating, settling, or litigating.
04
Execution
We assist with correspondence, negotiation, litigation strategy, or further legal assistance.
Specialists for entrepreneurs
We combine legal analysis with practical experience in cases for entrepreneurs, directors, and organizations.
Our team of corporate counsel and lawyers are specialists in compliance and violation issues. We assist organizations, directors, and supervisory board members with legal matters in the public sphere. We have extensive experience at the negotiating table, are decisive, and can make sound assessments of opportunities and risks. We understand both the legal world and the business world, enabling us to effectively switch between them. Clear and understandable language is paramount in this regard.
Frequently asked questions about WWFT/FIOD
Below, we answer frequently asked questions about this area of law, our approach, and seeking legal assistance.
When is legal advice advisable?
Legal advice is wise as soon as pressure arises, deadlines are running, an opposing party takes a position, or when the financial or strategic interests are significant.
Can MKB Juristen also help if there is already a conflict?
Yes. We assess your legal position, advise on strategy, and can assist with correspondence, negotiation, defense, or further legal steps.
How much does specialist legal advice cost?
Specialist advice is provided on an hourly basis in principle. Where possible, we provide clarity in advance regarding the expected approach, costs, and next steps.
Can I have a no-obligation consultation first?
Yes. You can request a free consultation. We will briefly discuss your situation and indicate which course of action is likely the sensible one.
Discuss your position
Do you want to know where you stand legally or what step is sensible? Discuss your situation with a lawyer or in-house counsel.
More expertise within this team
Also view the other sections within this area of law.
Contact us
Leave your details. We will contact you to briefly discuss your situation.
Contact us
Want to know more about our services?
Then contact our specialists.
