Dutch MP’s Campaign to Free Dutchman Jailed for 103 Years in Thailand

[webfact]

Dutch MP’s Campaign to Free Dutchman Jailed for 103 Years in Thailand

BANGKOK – Dutch MPs are urging ministers to ensure Dutch National Johan Van Laarhoven who was sentenced to 103 years in Thailand for drugs offences is brought back to the Netherlands.

Johan van Laarhoven, who ran several cannabis cafes, or coffee shops, in Tilburg and Den Bosch has lived in Thailand since 2008. He was jailed for laundering money made from the coffee shops which were licenced in the Netherlands.

Thai justice officials reportedly started investigating Van Laarhoven following letter from a Dutch embassy worker, informing the authorities he had earned his money selling marijuana and requesting a criminal investigation.

Full story: http://www.chiangraitimes.com/dutch-mps-campaign-to-free-dutchman-jailed-for-103-years-in-thailand.html

-- Chiang Rai Times 2016-06-13

[Bluespunk]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch “gedoogbeleid” policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai court’s verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

[leeneeds]

Realistic sentence for a farang, !

inequality in scales of justice is plain for all to see.

this case makes LOS into land of hypocrites

a long process to win his freedom, good luck

[johncat1]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

[leeneeds]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

You are also lopsided

[SABloke]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

He wasn't selling drugs in Thailand. His money came from a legal source of income. Whether that source of income is illegal in Thailand is irrelevant. If the Thai courts wanted to stretch it then I could see hime being detained for using the exact same money that he recieved i.e the Euro bills in his shop (same serial no. and all). Since he was using Baht in Thailand this is obviously ludicrous anyway, but slightly less ludicrous than the current logic.

[rkidlad]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

Yes, and we all know Thai law applies equally to everyone, right?

Laws in this country are just made up and abused as they go along. How can anyone take anything here seriously when you can just buy your way out if you have the cash?

This is Thailand where anything goes. You can see why people are angry at this ridiculous logic and sentencing.

[jvs]

I do believe it all started with an investigation regarding evading to pay tax in Holland,i am sure he will have some explaining to do back home.

[Nickymaster]

The guy is accused of money laundering in The Netherlands. Since he was living in Thailand the Dutch authorities couldn't get hold of him. In a desperate move following happened:

"In 2014 the Dutch judiciary informed the Thai authorities that Van Laaroven was a suspect in a money laundering case and that he earned money by selling soft drugs in the Netherlands. The Netherlands asked the Thai government for insight into various of Van Laarhoven’s bank accounts."

http://www.nltimes.nl/2016/03/04/coffeeshop-owner-imprisoned-in-thailand-dutch-prosecutor-to-testify/

This made the Thai government start their own investigation. Since laws are very different in Thailand he got sentenced here. This is clearly a set up by the Dutch. They knew this would happen to him and on top of it they are not asking Thailand to extradite him. The Dutch court screwed him because they couldn't catch him.

Edited June 13, 2016 by Nickymaster

[stevenl]

Very one sided news article.

Selling soft drugs in the Netherlands is being allowed quite often, but not legal.

[RIJoe]

Following this logic, a gambler in Las Vegas who won lots of money, could be arrested in Thailand because gambling is illegal?!?!?

Edit: should be "lack of logic"

Edited June 13, 2016 by RIJoe

[The stuttering parrot]

Sorry can't see where the Thai courts are wrong on this one except for the length of the sentence.

I'd be blaming for one his own countryman a Dutch lawyer serving up on a platter to Thai authorities and two I'd be blaming the dutch authorities for turning a blind eye to the purchasing of illegal drugs and then allowing to be placed in this position .

Thirdly if you want to dabble in illegal drugs which is apparently what he was doing then he rolled the dice and got caught and that's that.

No sympathy from this camp except for the 103 years.

[arithai12]

He made a mistake in moving to Thailand, where the law is against him.

This said, I hope he gets a fair treatment because the sentence and treatment he received here seem disproportionate.

[kovaltech]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

he did not brake a law in Thailand....

He legaly earned his money in Holland

so, whats your point ?

[Berty100]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch “gedoogbeleid” policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai court’s verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

If everything was so legal in The Netherlands, then why was the Dutch government interrogating him so often, and was there even a need to make the five day to report agreement.

Maybe you should read up a bit more on the background of Mr Van Laarhoven.

[Bluespunk]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

What law did he break in Thailand?

[Bluespunk]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch “gedoogbeleid” policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai court’s verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

If everything was so legal in The Netherlands, then why was the Dutch government interrogating him so often, and was there even a need to make the five day to report agreement.

Maybe you should read up a bit more on the background of Mr Van Laarhoven.

Maybe you should read the first line of the news article I quoted. In fact why not read it all.

He broke no laws in Thailand.

[Daryle]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

When I spend my money in Thailand, they welcome it. Here's hoping they don't ask us to account for every Baht. Not that we have anything to worry about, right! Edited June 13, 2016 by Daryle

[Berty100]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch “gedoogbeleid” policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai court’s verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

If everything was so legal in The Netherlands, then why was the Dutch government interrogating him so often, and was there even a need to make the five day to report agreement.

Maybe you should read up a bit more on the background of Mr Van Laarhoven.

Maybe you should read the first line of the news article I quoted. In fact why not read it all.

He broke no laws in Thailand.

I think there is a law in Thailand, in fact that law may exist in most countries in the world, against money laundering.

mon·ey laun·der·ing

noun

noun: money laundering; noun: moneylaundering

1. the concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.

   "he was convicted of money laundering and tax evasion"

[KamalaRider]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

He didn't break the law in Thailand.

[chainarong]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch “gedoogbeleid” policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai court’s verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

From the Dutch point of view and law , no he shouldn't be in Jail, from what you describe Bluespunk, but from the Thai point of view and the law , interesting because I'd say the same would happen under Australian law, although he wouldn't get 103 years, he'd get told to go home , the interpretation would be he was receiving money from drugs, in Thai that is illegal and many other countries , just goes to show you need to watch your back going to other countries , something as straight forward as this can turn into a nightmare.

Edited June 13, 2016 by chainarong

[Bluespunk]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch “gedoogbeleid” policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai court’s verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

If everything was so legal in The Netherlands, then why was the Dutch government interrogating him so often, and was there even a need to make the five day to report agreement.

Maybe you should read up a bit more on the background of Mr Van Laarhoven.

Maybe you should read the first line of the news article I quoted. In fact why not read it all.

He broke no laws in Thailand.

I think there is a law in Thailand, in fact that law may exist in most countries in the world, against money laundering.

mon·ey laun·der·ing

noun

noun: money laundering; noun: moneylaundering

1. the concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.

   "he was convicted of money laundering and tax evasion"

Of which he has not been convicted or even charged of in the Netherlands.

He broke no laws here.

''Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands.''

Which he did legally.

Edited June 13, 2016 by Bluespunk

[denkiblue555]

Very one sided news article.

Selling soft drugs in the Netherlands is being allowed quite often, but not legal.

What do you mean - the article doesn't suggest he was illegally selling anything??

The only thing it mentioned was that he may have been accused of 'buying' stock from an unlicensed seller - but local authorities seem to turn a blind eye to this (in general). Nothing wrong with what he sold according to the story.

And most concerning that Thai authorities are able to subjectively determine how accusations made in another state somehow relate to legal resident behaviour here in Thailand, and then prosecute accordingly? Imagine the other stuff they could start doing...... e.g.. prostitution, gambling just to name a few - do you think casino bosses who spend their money in Thailand are found guilty like this guy haha.......

[The stuttering parrot]

Authorities turn a blind eye to illegal drug traders in the Netherlands .

He profits from this and the proceeds of crime are spent in Thai where it is against the law to benefit from the proceeds of crime.

Enter the Dutch give him up knowing full well that this would come about but not expecting a hefty sentence.

Why defend a drug dealer anyway?

[domdom]

Hello

Apparently his 2 partners one being is brother were arrested in Tilburg in March ... !!

http://www.nltimes.nl/2016/03/10/coffeeshop-management-held-in-e20-million-money-laundering-scheme/

Have a nice week

[Berty100]

If everything was so legal in The Netherlands, then why was the Dutch government interrogating him so often, and was there even a need to make the five day to report agreement.

Maybe you should read up a bit more on the background of Mr Van Laarhoven.

Maybe you should read the first line of the news article I quoted. In fact why not read it all.

He broke no laws in Thailand.

I think there is a law in Thailand, in fact that law may exist in most countries in the world, against money laundering.

mon·ey laun·der·ing

noun

noun: money laundering; noun: moneylaundering

1. the concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.

   "he was convicted of money laundering and tax evasion"

Of which he has not been convicted or even charged of in the Netherlands.

He broke no laws here.

''Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands.''

Which he did legally.

Looks as if contradicting yourself is your favorite pastime, you even manage to do that in a single post.

Which part of money obtained from illegal activities, selling illegal drugs, is it that you don't understand.

Of course he wasn't convicted in The Netherlands, because he fled the country before they had the chance to.

May be the Dutch government know how much his tax returns amounted to, and compared that with the money he invested in Thailand, and had enough evidence to consider it money laundering.

And that is what the Thai courts convicted him on.

Edited June 13, 2016 by Berty100

[dotpoom]

''During years of investigation, no evidence was found that could convict Van Laarhoven or his business partners in the Netherlands.

Van Laarhoven and the Openbaar Ministerie agreed that if they ever again wanted to interrogate him about the case, he would report to the Netherlands within five days of their request.

After a request from a Dutch lawyer working for Openbaar Ministerie, the Thai authorities launched their own investigation into Van Laarhoven. Several days later he and his wife were arrested at their Pattaya home.

Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands. It should be noted that the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is legal in the Netherlands and the Dutch gedoogbeleid policy ensures that authorities turn a blind eye when coffee shop owners buy stock from illegal dealers.'

The Thai courts verdict, however, ignores that policy, concluding that money earned with the sale of drugs has to be illegal money. Therefore, spending that money is a crime. His assets in Thailand were siezed and his home and vehicles were auctioned off.''

This man should not be in gaol.

Even more so....The Wife?

[Bluespunk]

Of which he has not been convicted or even charged of in the Netherlands.

He broke no laws here.

''Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands.''

Which he did legally.

Looks as if contradicting yourself is your favorite pastime, you even manage to do that in a single post.

Which part of money obtained from illegal activities, selling illegal drugs, is it that you don't understand.

Of course he wasn't convicted in The Netherlands, because he fled the country before they had the chance to.

May be the Dutch government know how much his tax returns amounted to, and compared that with the money he invested in Thailand, and had enough evidence to consider it money laundering.

And that is what the Thai courts convicted him on.

He sold the drugs legally in the Netherlands and was not charged with money laundering in the Netherlands. Which bit of that do you not understand?

He did not sell drugs in Thailand or launder money. He spent his money which he had earned in the Netherlands.

Legally as it stands at present.

Where did I contradict myself?

As to what he was convicted of in Thailand

''Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands.''

Legally earned as it stands at present.

Edited June 13, 2016 by Bluespunk

[Andrew65]

It may be legal in the Netherlands But is against the law in Thailand. He broke the law, end of story.

You are also lopsided

I have to agree with johncatt (proceeds of crime). Maybe the Thais don't want to be told what to do by (ultra-liberal) foreigners.

I think the UK & US have laws that apply outside their jurisdictions, for example, going to Syria/Iraq to fight for ISIS. (Personally, I think these people should be actively encouraged to go, then have their passports cancelled a week or two after they've left).

[Berty100]

Of which he has not been convicted or even charged of in the Netherlands.

He broke no laws here.

''Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands.''

Which he did legally.

Looks as if contradicting yourself is your favorite pastime, you even manage to do that in a single post.

Which part of money obtained from illegal activities, selling illegal drugs, is it that you don't understand.

Of course he wasn't convicted in The Netherlands, because he fled the country before they had the chance to.

May be the Dutch government know how much his tax returns amounted to, and compared that with the money he invested in Thailand, and had enough evidence to consider it money laundering.

And that is what the Thai courts convicted him on.

He sold the drugs legally in the Netherlands and was not charged with money laundering in the Netherlands. Which bit of that do you not understand?

He did not sell drugs in Thailand or launder money. He spent his money which he had earned in the Netherlands.

Legally as it stands at present.

Where did I contradict myself?

As to what he was convicted of in Thailand

''Fifteen months later, Van Laarhoven was convicted for spending money in Thailand that he earned by selling cannabis in the Netherlands.''

Legally earned as it stands

He sold the drugs legally in the Netherlands and was not charged with money laundering in the Netherlands.

Legally earned as it stands

Whoops

http://www.nltimes.nl/2016/03/10/coffeeshop-management-held-in-e20-million-money-laundering-scheme/

The men are suspected of laundering 20 million euros through four coffee shops they managed in Tilburg and Den Bosch.

The illegal proceeds from the businesses were invested in various countries in Asia and Europe.

The founder of this chain, Johan van Laarhoven, is currently imprisoned in Thailand, where he was recently sentenced to 103 years in prison for money laundering and earning money from selling soft drugs in the Netherlands.

He doesn't need a conviction in The Netherlands, since the money laundering happened in Thailand. Which part from investing money in Thailand earned from illegal business, wherever in the world, is it that you don't understand?

Edited June 13, 2016 by Berty100