Van Leeuwen Law Firm

Financial crime constitutes an exceedingly complex and multifaceted threat within today’s corporate landscape, involving illegal activities aimed at obtaining financial gain through deception, fraud, and manipulation. The scope of these offenses is broad and manifests in numerous forms, each marked by a high degree of subtlety and intricate complexity. In the boardrooms where strategic decisions are made, the urgency arises not only to acknowledge the impact of financial crime but also to address it with the utmost precision. The issue extends far beyond direct financial losses; the potentially devastating consequences for reputation, market position, and stakeholder trust represent an indelible…

The fight against money laundering (Anti-Money Laundering, AML) and terrorist financing (Counter-Terrorist Financing, CTF) forms a crucial line of defense in protecting national and international security. In a world where financial networks are becoming increasingly complex and digital, and capital flows move across borders at unprecedented speeds, AML/CTF is no longer merely an administrative compliance framework but a pillar of global stability and legal integrity. Executives in the highest governing bodies—the so-called C-suite—find themselves in a highly delicate position, having to balance commercial interests against moral and constitutional obligations. Implementing robust AML/CTF programs requires a keen understanding of both the…

In today’s financial and business landscape, anti-money laundering measures and sanctions regulations form the cornerstones of a robust compliance framework that compel executives to maintain constant vigilance and decisiveness. Sanctions, imposed by national governments, international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, serve not only as policy tools to achieve geopolitical objectives but also as powerful instruments to protect the financial infrastructure from misuse by malicious actors. These sanctions manifest in various forms: trade restrictions, asset freezes, travel bans, and other measures aimed at crippling criminal networks and state actors who violate international law.…

The world of money laundering is a shadowy reality where creativity, technology, and legal loopholes merge into an extremely sophisticated game of illusion and deception. What once began with simple methods such as depositing cash in small amounts—so-called structuring or smurfing—has evolved into a global infrastructure of financial camouflage. Criminal organizations no longer operate solely on the fringes of the financial system; they have become an integral part of it. Their playing field is boundless: multinational corporations, fintech platforms, virtual currencies, real estate markets, and even international trade are all harnessed to legitimize illicit financial flows. Money flows are packaged…

Corruption, money laundering, and fraud form a relentless triad that undermines the foundation of trust, integrity, and fairness within any organization. These phenomena are not isolated incidents but rather a complex and intertwined threat that manifests itself at multiple levels within organizations and their external environment. Executives in the C-suite face the monumental challenge of not only understanding this dynamic but also proactively managing it. Corruption creates the fertile ground where illegal money flows take root, money laundering structures and legitimizes these flows, while fraud serves as the instrument through which illicit gains are obtained and concealed. These processes are…

Economic regulatory law forms an unmistakable and essential part of the regulatory landscape surrounding businesses. This legal domain aims to regulate the functioning of markets and sets the rules within which economic actors—from multinationals to small entrepreneurs—must operate. The complexity of this field lies in its interconnection with numerous other disciplines such as competition law, consumer protection, and sector-specific regulation. The C-suite, consisting of executives and directors, faces the immense task of not only knowing these legal frameworks but strategically integrating them into corporate policy. This requires a profound understanding of both the letter and spirit of the law, as…

In today’s industrial and commercial environment, management boards are confronted with an increasingly complex regulatory landscape that encompasses both environmental protection and the safety and health of employees. Environmental, labour, and safety regulations are not an abstract legal framework; they are an integral part of strategic decision-making within organisations. The C-suite should not only be aware of formal obligations but must also deeply understand the implications of these regulations and translate them into operational strategies that make the organisation resilient against legal and societal risks. Non-compliance can have far-reaching consequences, ranging from heavy fines and criminal liability to severe reputational…

In a dynamic and ever-changing world, businesses and organizations face an increasing number of challenges related to legal and regulatory matters, risk management, and crisis management. The importance of a strategic approach in the areas of Investigations, Compliance, and Defense cannot be overstated. Each of these three pillars plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, continuity, and reputation of an organization. Investigations form the backbone of effective risk management and problem-solving. Whether it involves conducting internal audits, investigating suspicious activities, or analyzing potential vulnerabilities, thorough investigation provides insights and serves as the foundation for informed decision-making. It enables organizations…

In today’s business landscape, corporate ethics is no longer an optional choice but an indispensable foundation upon which every company builds its legitimacy. Where once it was sufficient to focus solely on profitability and market position, modern times demand deeply rooted integrity—an ethical compass that guides an organization’s actions in a world where transparency and accountability are the highest virtues. The societal trust, traditionally considered an intangible source of legitimacy, is now explicitly measured by how a company shapes and communicates its internal standards. In this context, it must be understood that corporate ethics and anti-corruption policies are not mere…

The field of financial criminal law and forensic investigation constitutes a complex and hazardous legal landscape in which executives at the highest levels of an organization—the C-suite—must navigate with utmost precision and caution. This area of law does not merely concern abstract legal principles but strikes at the very core of the enterprise, its reputation, continuity, and the trust of shareholders, customers, and regulators. Financial criminal law primarily focuses on punishing offenses that fundamentally undermine economic and societal trust: fraud, corruption, money laundering, and other forms of financial-economic crime. The burden of proof in these cases is particularly heavy, partly…

Government institutions, such as provinces, municipalities, water boards, and other related entities, form the backbone of public administration and carry immense responsibility for upholding the law and providing essential services to society. However, this crucial role also entails significant risks. It is not uncommon for these institutions to face a wide range of criminal and administrative issues that can put their functioning and integrity under pressure. These issues can range from internal fraud and bribery to severe breaches of confidentiality and violations of permits. Each of these issues can lead to profound legal proceedings that not only affect the internal…

Raids, inspections, and proceedings represent an event of extraordinary seriousness and impact for executives at the highest management level—the C-suite—and rarely pass without significant consequences. The acute unpredictability with which such interventions occur, where investigative authorities unexpectedly and often without prior notice enter the company premises, immediately places the organization under enormous pressure. The scope of these interventions extends far beyond merely collecting documents and data; they strike directly at the core of business operations, the trust of external parties, and the personal liability of directors. This moment of crisis requires not only profound legal insight but also flawless strategic…