Detectives have searched the city hall offices of two aldermen in The Hague, as well as several civil servants, as part of an investigation into corruption.

Deputy mayor and economic affairs alderman Richard de Mos, and Rachid Guernaoui, who is in charge of the city finances, are suspected of accepting payments in return for bar and cafe licences, broadcaster NOS said.

Both represent the Groep de Mos/Hart voor Den Haag faction on the city council which emerged as the biggest group in the March local elections. Their homes and those of three local businessmen have also been searched as part of the investigation.

One source told broadcaster NOS that the probe includes the night opening licence provided to the Zalencentrum Opera complex. Owner Atilla Akyol was on the party’s local election campaign list in the ceremonial position of last place.

The source suggest Akyol may have supported the party financially in return for confidential information from city hall. A public prosecution department spokesman has confirmed that hospitality industry licences are at the heart of the investigation.

The Hague mayor Pauline Krikke is holding a meeting for councillors on Tuesday afternoon and said in a statement she is ‘shocked’ by the allegations.