HHNK arms itself against criminal activity
With the policy rule Wet bevordering integriteitsbeoordelingen door het openbaar bestuur (Bibob), Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK) is taking an important step towards a stronger and safer organization. This means that from now on we can conduct integrity investigations to determine whether there are risks of abuse by criminal organizations. This makes us one of the first water boards to actively use this instrument.
"With the Bibob Act, we strengthen our resilience against undermining and, like the province and the North Holland municipalities, shape a resilient administration. Together with our partners we thus ensure that criminals cannot make use of our facilities and structures," said dike chairman Remco Bosma.
What is subversion?
Undermining is a creeping problem in which the underworld and upper world become intertwined. Criminals use legal structures, such as permits, subsidies, or tenders, to support or conceal their illegal activities. This can mean, for example, that a permit for a seemingly trustworthy business facilitates criminal activities such as money laundering or financing illegal practices. Undermining not only damages the integrity of organizations, but also distorts the competitive position of honest entrepreneurs and threatens the security of our society.
Integrity investigation
The Water Board applies the Bibob Act to permit applications, subsidies, tenders and real estate transactions. For example, a permit can be refused if it appears that there is a serious danger that it will be used for criminal activities or to exploit benefits from criminal offenses.
Collaboration as the key to success
Undermining does not stop at municipal or water board boundaries. That is why HHNK works closely with the police, tax authorities, the judiciary, the Landelijk Bureau Bibob (LBB) and the Regional Information and Expertise Center (RIEC). This cooperation is essential to share knowledge and expertise, recognize patterns and take joint action against criminal networks. It also prevents the so-called waterbed effect, in which criminals move to areas with less strict supervision.