The 28-year-old detective from Weert who was arrested on suspicion of selling secret information to criminal gangs was allowed to join the police despite security service doubts, the NRC says on Thursday.

The paper says justice ministry sources say the AIVD had refused to give him clearance in 2009 after investigating his lifestyle and personal financial information. Nevertheless, he was allowed to start as a trainee police officer.

RTL news reported on Wednesday about the man’s lifestyle. ‘He led a life of luxury, went on holiday to Curaçao and the Dominican Republic and wore expensive watches,’ one source told the broadcaster.

The man and another 45-year-old suspect were remanded in custody for 90 days on Wednesday. The former police officer is suspected of corruption, money laundering and breaking police secrecy laws.

The other man is suspected of bribery, money laundering and the possession of drugs. Police think he helped the police officer spread the information, the NRC says.