Convicted Dutch gangster Willem Holleeder has been arrested in connection with an investigation into organised crime, the public prosecution department confirmed on Monday.

Holleeder, who has convictions for kidnapping and blackmail, is one of several people picked up in the public prosecution department probe, the department said. More details will be made public later.

Holleeder’s lawyer, Stijn Franken, told RTL news he was unable to give any further details because his client is being held in isolation. This means he may only communicate with his lawyer.

Raids

According to Nos television, police raided a penthouse in Hilversum lived in by an ex-girlfriend of Holleeder. He is said to visit her regularly.

Eyewitnesses told the broadcaster a large moving lorry was stationed outside the flat and police were removing more than just computers and paperwork.

Other premises were raided in Beverwijk and Amsterdam. Two of the other men arrested were named by Nos as Dick V, who had a public spat with Holleeder on a cafe terrace last year, and Danny K, who is seen as a major underworld figure, RTL news said.