Charles Ratelband suspected of 23 million euro investment fraud

Charles Ratelband, the 46-year-old son of Emile Ratelband, is suspected of large-scale investment fraud involving more than 23 million euros. The Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) conducted searches at multiple locations in Arnhem, Utrecht, and Renkum, seizing digital and paper records, storage media, and vehicles.

Since 2020, Ratelband allegedly raised funds through companies such as WindShareFund and FutureEnergyFund by promising returns from renewable energy projects, including wind turbines, solar parks, and hydrogen technology. However, investigators suspect the money was not used for these intended purposes and that portions were transferred to Ratelband’s private accounts. Additionally, investors have reportedly stopped receiving promised interest payments.

The investigation was initiated following a report from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), which had previously investigated suspicions of embezzlement. Ratelband is currently a suspect in the case, and his whereabouts are unknown; reports suggest he may be in the United States, where he was allegedly recruiting investors for new green funds.