Stricter requirements for State Attorney

Based on expert advice, the cabinet is imposing stricter requirements on the relationship between the State and State Attorney Pels Rijcken. This is in response to the large-scale fraud committed by the firm's former chairman.

Tom Ottervanger, emeritus professor of European Law and Dutch competition law, and Bob Hoogenboom, professor of forensic business administration, are recommending (pdf, 194 kB) the inclusion of an audit requirement in the contract between the State and the State Attorney. An experienced Risk & Compliance Officer, a Security Officer, and a Financial Officer will also join Pels Rijcken's Management Team. Furthermore, consultations with the State Attorney will be restructured to improve communication.

Supervisory Board
In addition to these short-term measures, Minister Ferd Grapperhaus of Justice and Security is also taking medium-term measures based on the advisory report. These include the establishment of an independent Supervisory Board. Hoogenboom's recommendation to separate the legal and notarial professions within the State Advocate's Office is also being considered. Long-term recommendations require further research, for example, by a committee of experts.