National Water Authority Dismantling Two New Speed Boats

The National Water Authority has bought two unusable Italian speed boats at a cost of 1 million euro.  These rigid hull inflatable boats cannot be used on the North Sea because the sea is too rough. The Authority was not able to define the purchase order appropriately.  Experts say that the Authority lacked knowledge in the field.  Dutch Minister Van Nieuwehuizen said that it is irresponsible for safety reasons to sell the boats to others.  They are now being dismantled and an effort will be made to reuse some parts or sell them.

https://www.ad.nl/politiek/fyra-debacle-met-italiaanse-speedboten~a2c66ca0/

Earthquakes cause mental problems in Groninger

A study from Groningen University has found that many residents suffer health problems whose homes have experience damage from earthquakes.  In the long run, this is a health risk. People feel feel insecure because of financial problems, bureaucracy and for some due to the fact that  they are unable to relocate. The earthquakes are the result of the many years of gas exploration in this province.

https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/groninger-kopje-onder-door-aardbevingsstress~ab3c35ea/

Hackers Steal Information about Home Hunters from Housing Agency

Hackers have stolen hundreds and possibly thousands of identity card scans after breaking into the computer system of a rental housing company.  The information stolen was uploaded between 2017 and 2019 by people seeking a place to live.  The hackers possess the name, address, contact information and copies of passports or id cards which include a personal identification number (BSN).  This allows hackers to open bank accounts or take out loans by using other peoples’ identity.

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2019/05/hackers-steal-key-info-about-home-hunters-from-housing-agency/

Great Increase in Corruption, Police Lacks Capacity

The 2018 annual report of the Public Prosecution shows that corruption crimes investigated increased from 45 to 65. However, the national detective service greatly lacks personnel. Furthermore about 27 500 complaints of criminal acts were not followed up by the police while there was information for investigating and prosecution. The head of the Public Prosecution Gerrit van der Burg expressed his worry about the increasing severe criminality and accompanying violence.

https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/3633467/corruptie-groter-dan-ooit

Dutch Deputy Minister Resigns after concealing information

Dutch Deputy Minister Mark Harbers (of the VVD Liberal party) has resigned after he presented a report about the number of refugees suspected of crimes to parliament.  The figures published included suspicions of rape and murder under the category ‘Other.’ Harbers said the reason was because civil servants were worried that the figures would lead to confusion.

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2019/05/asylum-minister-mark-harbers-resigns-over-refugee-crime-report/

11% of Working Women Change Jobs Because of Harassment

A study by the Tentoo firm found that 11% of working women in the Netherlands have changed jobs  at least because they have been harassed by a colleague or superior. 

For men the figure is 6½%.

https://www.ad.nl/ad-werkt/een-op-negen-vrouwen-wisselt-van-baan-na-pesten~ad24e194/

Police: Ministry Hiding Severe Crimes by Asylum Seekers

The spokesperson of the Dutch Police, Mireille Beentjes, has accused the Ministry of Security and Justice of hiding extreme crimes by asylum seekers in the statistics under the heading “various”. This includes attempts of murder, physical violence and sexual crimes. Furthermore, the spokesperson says that the Ministry had the figures already for several weeks before it informed parliament.

https://www.ad.nl/politiek/politie-ministerie-schreef-ernstige-misdrijven-zelf-weg-onder-kopje-overige-en-had-cijfers-al-weken~a02fccde/