Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03THEHAGUE2458
2003-09-30 07:05:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:  

TERRORIST ASSETS: NEW DUTCH INITIATIVES

Tags:  ETTC PTER NL EUN 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002458 

SIPDIS

NOFORN

STATE FOR EB/ESC/ESP, S/CT, EUR/ERA, INR/EC, EUR/UBI, INL,
EUR/PGI
TREASURY FOR ZARATE
JUSTICE FOR OIA/FRIEDMAN
FBI FOR LORMEL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/22/2013
TAGS: ETTC PTER NL EUN
SUBJECT: TERRORIST ASSETS: NEW DUTCH INITIATIVES


Classified By: DCM Daniel Russel. Reason 1.5(b) and (d)

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002458

SIPDIS

NOFORN

STATE FOR EB/ESC/ESP, S/CT, EUR/ERA, INR/EC, EUR/UBI, INL,
EUR/PGI
TREASURY FOR ZARATE
JUSTICE FOR OIA/FRIEDMAN
FBI FOR LORMEL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/22/2013
TAGS: ETTC PTER NL EUN
SUBJECT: TERRORIST ASSETS: NEW DUTCH INITIATIVES


Classified By: DCM Daniel Russel. Reason 1.5(b) and (d)


1. (S/NF) Summary: The Dutch plan to take additional
measures to clamp down on terrorist front organizations, and
supporters, although their full effect will likely only be
felt over time. Dutch officials will enact new measures to
safeguard the Dutch financial system from terrorist funds.
We also expect the Dutch to be active in the European Union
to improve and intensify EU measures against terrorist
assets. (Septels will report Dutch thinking and initiatives
in other areas of counterterrorism). End summary.

More Proactive in Designations
--------------

2. (S/NF) Dutch authorities have told us that they are
gearing up several new initiatives against terrorist
financing. The most significant is gearing up to take action
toward terrorist fundraisers, supporters,and front
organizations in the Netherlands, including through
designation processes. A package of measures introduced in
parliament by Justice Minister Donner will provide a clearer,
more solid legal basis for taking action against these types
of entities and to place additional restrictions on their
activities once they are designated. In anticipation of a
step up in activities against terrorist front organizations
and fundraisers, we understand the Dutch security service has
stepped up its surveillance of groups suspected of operating
in the Netherlands. Some of these proposed measures will be
hotly debated in parliament as some measures (e.g., making
clear that organizations designated by the EU cannot use or
be given funds to rent convention space for rallies) to clamp
down on terrorist supporters could also be construed as
clamping down on free speech.

Tighter Financial Controls
--------------


3. (U) The Netherlands is also taking action to safeguard
its financial sector against terrorist funds. New
legislation expected to come into effect January 1, 2004 will
bring companies engaged in providing international companies
with domicile, management, tax, administrative, and legal
services ("trust offices") under the supervision of the Dutch
Central Bank (DNB). Before issuing a license, DNB will
verify the identity of the ultimate beneficiaries of any
entities under management and vett trust companies' top
management. We understand that DNB plans to take additional
measures to ensure banks and other financial institutions
effectively implement terrorist "freeze" orders. The GONL
has also announced that it will introduce measures to boost
the transparency and effective supervision of non-profit
organizations and the flow of funds to non-profit
organizations (including Islamic schools) received from
abroad.

Multilateralizing Through the EU
--------------


4. (SBU) Especially with its EU Presidency scheduled for the
end of next year, the Netherlands will attempt to
multilateralize many of these measures against terrorist
finance to the rest of the EU. Finance Ministry officials
have told us that they will strongly push for a new EU
anti-money laundering directive that incorporates the latest
FATF guidelines. Several Dutch officials have told us that
they hope to use their Presidency to streamline the EU
clearinghouse process. The Dutch plan during their
presidency to review and follow up on the Tampere Conclusions
(from the October 15-16,1999 EU Council meeting) which may
provide additional scope for police and judicial cooperation
against terrorist financing.

Comment
--------------


5. (C/NF) The pace of Dutch action against terrorist
fundraisers, supporters, and front organizations is not
likely to dramatically escalate but instead rise slowly but
steadily. The new legislation introduced by the Justice
Minister will take several months before it is enacted, and
many Dutch law enforcement and intelligence officials will
prefer to keep tight survelliance on terrorist supporters
rather than pursue designations that could force these
organizations underground. Nevertheless, most officials we
have talked to believe that Dutch actions against Al Aqsa
Foundation, BIN, and NPA leader Sison represent a
psychological turning point in favor of designation. We
apprised Dutch officials that the U.S. would need substantial
information packages submitted in order to follow up any
Dutch/EU designations with those of our own. To ensure a
level playing field for Dutch companies, the Dutch will be
active, we believe, in convincing the rest of the EU to
follow their lead in AML, designation, and law enforcement
financial issues. We should look forward to and support
their leadership in these areas.
SOBEL