Sanctions & Penalties

Companies and institutions are increasingly faced with fines from various supervisory authorities. Not only can the Public Prosecutor act as an enforcement authority, but so too can regulators such as the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the Dutch Data Protection Authority, the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Social Affairs & Employment Inspection. And this is increasingly made use of, with fines even being imposed on individuals.

Our lawyers

Regulators
The question is how to defend yourself and your company against potential sanctions in the event of an allegation, such as fertilizer fraud, financial offences, accidents at work, and cartel agreements. Would you know exactly what to do if the regulator knocks at the door? Are your employees aware of the risks and do they understand what they can and can’t do? Our specialists will guide you through the often cluttered field of penalty procedures. Of course, prevention is better than cure. That’s why our team helps enterprises implement compliance programmes and train their employees.

Areas of focus

  • Investigations of breaches of the Competition Act (such as cartel agreements or abuse of a dominant position) by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets
  • Investigations of official corruption, fraud, and bribery by the Public Prosecutor or foreign regulators
  • Investigations of breaches of the Media Act by the Dutch Media Commission
  • Investigations of health fraud by the Dutch Health Authority
  • Investigations by the Dutch Food Safety Authority
  • Investigations of accidents at work by the Social Affairs & Employment Inspectorate
  • Recalls by the Dutch Food Safety Authority
  • Investigations of breaches of financial supervisory regulations by De Nederlandsche Bank or the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets

Enforcement of environmental legislation
Are you facing administrative or criminal enforcement in the field of environmental law? For example in matters concerning the Dutch Environmental Permitting (General Provisions) Act, Environmental Management Act, or Soil Protection Act. Our Environmental Law specialists will be happy to help.