# Dutch cities demand national action against healthcare fraud

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/healthcare-crime-and-fraud-in-the-netherlands
> Updated: 2026-09-22T15:24:16.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Authorities in the Overijssel region have initiated a campaign to combat healthcare-related crime, focusing on helping residents identify and anonymously report suspicious activities. This criminal activity involves the use of fake diplomas and fraudulent agencies to exploit healthcare funds, posing risks to vulnerable populations through both financial theft and potential medical errors.

Subsequent investigations by RIEC Oost-Nederland have uncovered significant money laundering operations within the healthcare sector in the eastern Netherlands. Between 2020 and 2024, authorities identified 769 suspicious transactions totaling over 71 million euros in the region. Officials have warned that these findings may represent only the ‘tip of the iceberg,’ noting that the Public Prosecution Service estimates approximately 10 billion euros in healthcare funds are lost to criminal activity annually across the country.

In response to the scale of the issue, the major Dutch cities of Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague are now demanding urgent national intervention. The municipalities argue that local efforts are insufficient, describing the current situation as ‘mopping with the tap open.’ They contend that criminal networks exploit the ease with which new healthcare providers can register through the Chamber of Commerce without prior scrutiny. 

City officials have criticized Minister Mirjam Sterk’s commitment to address these issues in 2028, labeling it too late. They are calling for immediate national screening processes and uniform admission requirements. Furthermore, the 50Plus party in the House of Representatives has proposed the appointment of a government commissioner for healthcare fraud to coordinate a unified national response.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Dutch cities demand national action against healthcare fraud

Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague are urging the Dutch government to implement national measures and screenings to combat organized crime and fraud within the healthcare sector.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-cities-demand-national-action-against-healthcare-fraud

### 2026-09-17: Healthcare crime investigation reveals major money laundering in East Netherlands

An investigation in the eastern Netherlands reveals organized crime is using the healthcare sector to launder money, with 71 million euros in suspicious transactions identified between 2020 and 2024.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/healthcare-crime-investigation-reveals-major-money-laundering-in-east-netherlands

### 2026-08-25: Overijssel launches campaign against healthcare-related crime

Overijssel authorities have launched a campaign to combat healthcare fraud, warning that criminals use fake credentials to access vulnerable patients and steal billions in healthcare funds annually.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/overijssel-launches-campaign-against-healthcare-related-crime

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Cite as: Dutch cities demand national action against healthcare fraud. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/healthcare-crime-and-fraud-in-the-netherlands