During a preliminary hearing in Rotterdam, Camille van Gestel expressed frustration over being presumed guilty in the face masks scandal involving Sywert van Lienden and Bernd Damme. Van Lienden, asserting his innocence, criticized the lack of presumption of innocence.
He recounted his arrest experience, alleging mistreatment and misinformation by the authorities. The prosecution accuses the trio of defrauding employment agency Randstad by using staff meant for a charity at a commercial firm, as well as of falsifying documents sent to Coolblue, leading to a financial discrepancy.
The entrepreneurs are also charged with misleading the State in a €100 million mask deal, diverting funds to personal accounts. Van Lienden disputes these accusations, claiming repayments were made with interest.
Randstad and Coolblue demand justice, citing betrayal and financial restitution. The charity linked to the case plans further legal action based on newly uncovered evidence.
Source: NOS