Police and the financial crimes office FIOD have made three arrests in a case of suspected tax fraud, money laundering and unfair competition involving companies operating taxis in Amsterdam and Schiphol airport.

The arrests are part of a large-scale investigation, which started when police became aware of “a substantial number of illegal goings-on” among drivers who all worked for the same company, while the taxis they drove were registered to various hire companies.

Banks reported unusual transactions made by drivers and the companies, including transfers of a large part of the multi-million turnover to private and business accounts and accounts abroad.

“It is very likely that a big part of the payments to drivers happened under the radar of the tax office,” the FIOD said. The companies are also suspected of illegally claiming €290,000 in financial support during the coronavirus crisis.

Three men from Amsterdam and Assendelft aged 29, 31 and 33 are currently being held for interrogation in connection with the case.

Five homes and four company premises were searched and dozens of taxis impounded as part of the investigation.