The Netherlands is failing to ‘vigorously pursue’ foreign bribery allegations and must do more to enforce its foreign bribery laws, the OECD said on Tuesday.

The Paris-based organisation has just completed a new report on the way its anti-bribery convention is being implemented in the Netherlands.
The researchers say 14 out of 22 foreign bribery allegations have not yet triggered an investigation and this calls into question ‘the Netherlands’ ability and pro-activity in investigating and prosecuting this crime’.
Mailbox firms
The OECD working group will also look into the investigation and prosecution of ‘mailbox companies’ – companies incorporated in the Netherlands but pursuing their activities entirely from abroad. These have been the subject of a number of foreign bribery allegations, the organisation said.
The OECD also says the law enforcement authorities should be given adequate resources to investigate claims and that the fines for bribery be increased. For example, there are just two public prosecutors working on international corruption.
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten said in a reaction that the cabinet has taken steps to strengthen the investigation of bribery allegations and to increase sentences and fines.