One more time: Johan van Laarhoven
A subject that has often been discussed on Thailand blog, the detention of former coffee shop owner Johan van Laarhoven in Thailand. Now that Van Laarhoven is back in the Netherlands to serve the rest of his sentence, we thought the book could be closed. For those interested, there is still something interesting to read in monthly magazine Quote.
They write about the remarkable role of former army general Toine Beukering, currently a member of the Senate for Forum for Democracy, who traveled to Thailand to single-handedly free Van Laarhoven, who was convicted of money laundering, from prison.
Quote says about the Van Laarhoven case that they have the judicial file in their hands:
'From wiretapped telephone conversations with his tax advisor, it appeared that Van Laarhoven wanted to help a Dutch boxing trainer set up a boxing school in Pattaya for underprivileged children. Documents that the police later confiscated show that the boxer may have had to act as a cat catcher.'
Read part of the story here: www.quotenet.nl/business/a32360716/fvd-general-wilde-van-laarhoven-thaise-cel-bevrijden or buy the monthly magazine for the full story.
What a noble endeavor! And what a persistent misunderstanding that you help underprivileged Thai children learn Muay Thai boxing, a world where there is only room for the real top boys and girls and the lesser gods end up in a shadowy world of back-market fights where, as is It turned out that too young children without proper protection are thrown to the gambling lions. Rather put them in school, with food and drink and education and guidance, then they will get there, or perhaps even better.
Whether those conversations between Johan van L and his advisors all turned out this way remains to be seen; Things are sometimes taken out of context. I believe that it is now the Justice Department's turn to bring the 'fraud' case that was announced with much fanfare to trial. Then we will hopefully also hear whether, in order to save legal costs and time ('Oh well, the courts and tribunals are already so overloaded...') the case will be settled with a secret money transaction, just like with the Toekan family.
Then all cases are closed, including the silent extradition to the Thai judiciary, and the Netherlands can continue with the really important cases. Because in world history I only see Johan van L as a ripple in the pond…..
Quote: He (and his brother Frans) are suspected of leading a criminal organization, among other things. Justice also wants to pluck the duo financially, whereby the confiscation claim can easily amount to € 30 million. The Van Laarhovens are said to have amassed a black fortune, according to the remarkable judicial file that we managed to get our hands on.
I think that Johan and his brother do not see it as a ripple in the pond if they have to pay 30 million to the Dutch state.
Peter, fraud must first be proven once again. That sounds like a clincher, and the gut feeling also has a say in this blog today, but litigation has risks.
That a package deal is more favorable for the suspects than the final confiscation after years of litigation is also not impossible in this case. And it is also possible that the 'tap' takes place with a broad smile…
Fraud will be proven and the FIOD and Justice have the evidence of this. Just because they don't share it with you and me doesn't mean it isn't there.
Coffee shops are notorious for their money laundering practices and you don't need an academic degree to understand how that works. A simple calculation quickly shows that Van Laarhoven COULD never have earned the many millions with his coffee shops, regardless of the environment in which this happened. Mr van Laarhoven wanted to get out of the Thai cell and he succeeded. However, he will have to spend his time in a Dutch cell and he will certainly be convicted of money laundering.
It is mainly the sentiments of pity of people who see van Laarhoven unjustly in jail. Legally, however, this is a piece of cake. His lawyers like to fight because they charge by the hour. But it won't help van Laarhoven
I don't think these are compassionate people, but people who are paid by van Laarhoven to state on forums that he is an innocent victim of an unjust conviction.
In addition, the money laundering that he has done in Thailand and for which he has been convicted has always been carefully concealed.
It should also be clear that you cannot maintain a multi-million dollar drug trade if you are unable to protect your assets against other criminals.
That certainly wasn't smooth sailing.
Have read a lot of reactions here on the blog from people who recorded it for van Laarhoven. Sometimes I sometimes had the idea that they were “comrades in arms” of his. It's becoming more and more clear that it's just a criminal who messed with the law. I sometimes read in his defense that he paid taxes in the Netherlands properly. Ame hula!
completely agree with you Henk just a man who sold drugs (and not just soft drugs) to enrich himself, and pay taxes to my hula, when she wanted to arrest him he quickly fled to thailand with all his millions of black money for here the rich to hang out and with weapons in his possession luxury bungalow ….
Agree with Henk that Van Laarhoven has deserved a hefty punishment.
But I would like a punishment in the right proportions.
Van der Graaf, the despicable murderer of Pin Fortuyn in my opinion, has served a total of 12 years in prison. He is now as free as a bird, has never shown regret.
What van Laarhoven has done is also despicable. But he is not charged with murder. Money laundering and tax evasion, as said, also despicable.
Van Laarhoven has now served 5 years and 10 months in prison, of which approximately 5 1/2 years in Thailand. Those years in the Thai prison were terrible and that also makes a difference in the sentence, I think.
I don't want to minimize what van Laarhoven has done, I'm just saying that you have to see things in the right proportion.
If you don't want to be in jail in Thailand, don't commit crimes in Thailand.
You don't have to feel sorry for him at all.
In fact, the Thai in prison are worse off than van Laarhoven, because after a few years they are not allowed to go to such a luxurious prison as where van Laarhoven is.
All things considered, that is very unfair to the Thai prisoners.
Van Laarhoven's Thai wife is said to have been a witness in the criminal case in the Netherlands. Due to a "mistake" (?) of Justice in the Netherlands, she became a suspect in Thailand. As far as I know she is still in prison in Thailand. We all have an inkling of how humane things are there.
Mr. Van Laarhoven will probably only have to serve 1/3rd of his sentence in NL. This reduced sentence does not apply to his wife in Thailand.
If his wife would have deserved punishment at all, then this is in any case disproportionate to the occasion.
I hope that Dutch diplomacy and politics will do their best to rectify the misery caused by the Dutch justice system.
In Thailand they also have a reduced sentence for good behavior.
I don't know if it's the same everywhere, but according to my information you're just a prisoner for 1/3 of your time.
If you have behaved well during that time, you will be subject to a lightened regime for the next 1/3 of your sentence and you may be eligible for early release for the last 1/3 of your sentence.
There are bound to be exceptions to this, depending on your status, who you know, and whether you've stepped on the wrong toes.
Anyone who does not want to admit that there is cheating at the 'back door' at every coffee shop has butter on his head. Given the often long queues for the collection counter, now even more visible due to the corona measures, the shop would be sold out quickly if they adhered to the legal trading stock. Despite the fact that the sale appears to be legalized subject to certain regulations, the supply in fact still takes place in an illegal manner. That the tax is partially evaded can hardly surprise anyone, can it? What still surprises me is that people closely involved in many cases that make it to the press so often talk out of the bag. Now by an old general, Toine Beukering. In itself it is striking that at the request of an old 'gabber', Henni Mandemaker, who also seems to play a role in the story, he allows himself to get involved in this unsavory matter. That Beukering has to leave the restaurant within 3 minutes after mentioning the name Van Laarhoven during a lunch with a personal character with the then ambassador of the Netherlands in Thailand, an old fellow of his, is something I take with a bale of salt. When I go out for dinner with a friend/acquaintance and they would raise an issue I don't want, I would just answer that I don't want to go into it and take the conversation in a different direction. The last about Van Laarhoven will not be written for a long time. I regret that his Thai girlfriend is still behind bars in Thailand.
Unfortunately, the best man has been brought to the Netherlands with all its consequences. There are enough criminal offenses against him, but getting them proven before a court in the Netherlands is another matter. An army of acclaimed (read expensive) lawyers is at his side, paid by ill-gotten money by Van laarhoven. It will be a sausage for them, money doesn't stink, does it? Getting the client (sounds nicer than criminal) free whatever it takes is the motto. Sounds nice, but the decent people know better. The soap continues and so does the annoyance. But the law is not served by this, although many are of the opinion that the Penal Code can be interpreted in several ways. In any case, they will not take away his time in prison in Thailand, so there has been some satisfaction. Whether or not another part will find out, we're going to experience it. I hope so, because people with the mentality of Van Laarhoven I always wonder what they were born for.
The main reason to be born is to produce offspring. That task has been accomplished and in that sense he has fulfilled his civic duty.
In addition, he also played a role in meeting the needs of many of your compatriots, which was and is applauded from public health and was and is seen as an enemy from the sanctimonious circle.
You probably think all those smokers are inferior scum and life in the 50s was the best time of your life. That may be so, but the world continues to turn and now it is a hard blow that the Netherlands is being overtaken left and right by countries that look less critically at a plant and which could be a nice addition to Dutch agriculture.
For one there are limits to be stretched and for the other to limit further.
Dear Johnny, I know the influence of smoking weed on the state of mind of many people. No one has yet gotten better, other than provided on medical grounds, but then you are in a bad state and then it is better than nothing. I will certainly not deny that the users are the real culprits of this kind of practice. With the exception of the sick, of course. If that rubbish is not taken away, then these issues are not an issue. You can say that there is something else, but that is not the point now. Van Laarhoven and associates abuse many people, the weak in society are certainly the victims of this, whether they are aware of this or want to see it is another matter. A lot of users think this is normal, but just look at what's happening around you about negative things and you'll know enough. So open your eyes and see what's really going on. My youngest son was also susceptible to soft drugs around the age of sixteen with his cool friends. He kept us awake all night with his coughing and coughing. I asked him what's going on, but you don't get an answer. Son sent to the doctor and according to my son there was nothing wrong. Calling the doctor, but he has a duty of confidentiality because my son was 16 years old. Later I found out that he often smoked weed and couldn't stand this. His moods due to this smoking were also what concerned us. He knew my opinion on drugs, so he couldn't say what was going on. Now, almost 22 years later, he is doing well. Older and wiser, shall we say. Sometimes it takes people a while to realize that they are doing something wrong. You will understand that I find it reprehensible to get involved with drugs, just do it then you are crazy enough, my mother always said. I don't have a good word for people who still want to enrich themselves with this business, it's a certain type of people that I don't like. If you have read this piece you will understand why.
Now I understand you better and understand your story.
Raising is also an art and there may be a bigger problem that you as a parent have little influence on .. or on the contrary.
A good explanation Jacques, I too had to endure such a fight with my children. A dramatic fight. It has had so much impact, and cost victims. When your own kids will do anything to get that mess. Behind your back as a parent. Figures like van Laarhoven, who only think about money and are completely unconcerned with their victims, are asocial fringe figures, with a criminal streak. Anyone who stands up for such an individual, and there were many on this blog, I have a lot of trouble with that, unfortunately. Times change, but I agree with Jacques that this semi or hard drug thing is not a good thing. But there is an awful lot of money involved, and the big earners will do everything they can to keep their business. Money rules the world!
Henk, if I replace the name 'Van Laarhoven' with 'Heineken' or 'Chang' in your commentary on Jacques, then exactly the same reproach comes out; the silent reproach from you to the politicians that tolerate soft drugs.
But with both drugs and alcohol, it is not the seller but the buyer who decides to use the stuff. Johnny BG hits the nail on the head: it's also a matter of education. Blaming the seller is too cheap for me.
In the Netherlands there are about 600 coffee shops where you can buy cannabis under certain conditions. You don't tell me that they were all from Van Laarhoven, but you only point to one as 'guilty aso fringe figure'. That is your opinion, but then realize that those 'fringe figures' of the government are allowed to rent a property, sell stuff, set up a BV, consult notaries, accountants and lawyers and pay taxes as if they were legally engaged, except for the existence of the monstrum of delivery through the kitchen door………
Alcohol and drugs have appeal and it is up to parents and children to use them wisely. Reading the reports about the last 'prohibition' in Thailand and the massive stocking up last weekend gives me no guarantee that this sensible handling of alcohol applies in Thailand. That is certainly not a good example for the new generation!
Sorry Erik, this is what I literally wrote:
Figures like van Laarhoven, who only think about money and are completely unconcerned with their victims, are asocial fringe figures, with a criminal streak. In other words, I have not appointed ONE person. The whole soft drugs thing really affects me. It is again a source of income of the (r) government. That's why they allow it! I will refrain from commenting.
It strikes me that most reactions come from a kind of gut feeling, if you want to respond stick to the facts.
There was even a response from someone who said that Mr van Laarhoven would also have dealt in hard drugs, if you make such accusations then of course you have proof of that or not?
Johan van Laarhoven has been imprisoned for 5 years for money laundering from drug trafficking, nothing more and nothing less.
The fact that the so-called drug trade is tolerated in the Netherlands means that only money laundering remains, if you can get 5 years in prison for that in Thailand then there are a lot of Dutch people in Thailand who should start to worry.
“for money laundering that comes from drug trafficking, nothing more and nothing less.”
For the record: van Laarhoven has also been convicted of illegal possession of weapons. In Thailand (where he committed the offense) perhaps not so bad, but in the Netherlands it is. But that doesn't count.
With all due respect GeertP, there is much more going on than you suggest. You are trying to condone van Laarhoven's behavior. Only lawyers are allowed to defend criminals. Quote's journalists have inside information. And we have been able to conclude that there is much more going on than just money laundering, as you write! Van Laarhoven thought he was smart. But no matter how fast the lie is, the truth will catch up with it.
No matter how he earned his money, you have to pay taxes…
He opted for money laundering and a luxurious life in Thailand.
What bothers me most about this man is the return
to the Netherlands because of the barbaric conditions
in jail in Thailand. NL is good enough for that.
But his wife, with whom he has not been in a relationship for very long
has given the age of her eldest child, and so
has little to do with his past, may move on
bleed…
So to me, that man is just a loser and whiner first class.
The production of weed is illegal and so is the trade and sale.
But if you have a coffee shop, then it is pseudo - legal ,
as long as you pay taxes.
If you have paid tax on your earnings, it is still white money.
How can you be convicted of money laundering?
How does anyone know how much you sell
When nobody knows how much you buy?
And that producer, who supplies you pays no tax,
because no one stomach know , who that is ,
because it is illegal!
But something isn't right there >
I have not followed the case of van Laarhoven in detail because it is a legal matter of splitting hairs (and I am not a lawyer), but all in all I have the following comments:
1. most people are outraged because van Laarhoven ended up in a Thai prison and things are very different there than in the Netherlands. However, that applies to all prisoners in Thailand, Thais and foreigners. It is a horror, but not only for him.
2. If van Laarhoven's lawyer had advised him to plead guilty on appeal (instead of insisting that he was innocent), his sentence would have been halved. With his return to the Netherlands he would then be almost free.
3. If the Dutch judiciary can be blamed for anything, they have made up for it by bringing him back to the Netherlands.
4. He is now stuck and can no longer run away from the lawsuits that are still hanging over his head. Van Laarhoven had little choice in the Thai prison: in the hands of the Thais and in prison or in the hands of the Dutch judiciary but from a Dutch prison.
5. In the distant past I have sometimes suggested that Thai women would do well to ask - in addition to the money - about the backgrounds of their foreign lover. I was then laughed at by almost everyone. Van Laarhoven's wife does not smile. She now knows better.
Quote:
'2. If van Laarhoven's lawyer had advised him to plead guilty on appeal (instead of insisting that he was innocent), his sentence would have been halved. With his return to the Netherlands he would then be almost free.'
Really, Chris? You really don't know much about Thai justice. The police always try to force a confession by means of threats ('otherwise you will receive the death penalty') and baits such as halving the sentence. This very often leads to wrongful convictions. Furthermore, Johan van L. was sentenced to 20 years in prison (more than 20 times money transferred from money laundering is 5 times the 50 year sentence for money laundering). With a confession, that would have become 20 years, of which he should have served XNUMX years.
@Tino
I get your point that a reduced sentence can play a role in admitting. You also know that it is quite a process to get to a court.
When you get there, a lot has gone wrong in the previous process and that is indeed not fair.
On the other hand, there may be innocent Burmese who are also victimized to get a case done.
Are there any statistics on miscarriages of justice?
I'm talking about hiso cases like van Laarhoven. The hisos who know they are guilty declare to the Supreme Court that they are innocent and are released on bail. They are not in prison. A few weeks before the Supreme Court's ruling, they suddenly admit, after years of living on bail, that they are guilty. The sentence is automatically halved and if it is still too long, it is better to flee abroad. After a while you come back in secret and just live at home (see Kamnan Poh) while you have to be in prison. There are not a few, but dozens of hiso examples.
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