Asbestos removal companies which lose their license as a result of fraud or breaches of safety regulations are free to apply for a new license and start another limited company without any sanctions whatsoever, Trouw writes on Monday

Emails in the possession of newspaper Trouw show that the social affairs ministry has acknowledged the existence of this loophole for the first time and ordered an investigation into the case by inspectors and legal advisors.

According to Trouw, the authorities are powerless to prevent the practice.  

Certificate

Demolition companies need a special certificate to remove asbestos but will only be given one if they comply with all the safety and quality regulations.

If companies are found to be in breach of the norms the certificate is taken away. However, Trouw says, it is all too easy to apply for a new certificate by using a limited company in the name of a relative, or continue business by using the certificate of another company.

The ministry wants to combat the fraud by checking up on new limited companies and tightening the rules. It will also publish a list of inspection results.