The public prosecution service seized almost €20m from people operating underground banks last year, one-third more than in 2013.

Some 80 people were arrested in connection with underground banking and 41 agreed to voluntarily turn over cash. The department says the €20m in seizures is only the tip of the iceberg and has put more detectives onto illegal banking investigations.

There were two major seizures of cash last year. In February, over €2.5m was found in a string of raids centred around Capelle aan den IJssel. In March, some €350,000 was found hidden in a consignment of oranges.