Cardiologists in Amsterdam and Nijmegen raided over corruption

National fraud investigators in the Netherlands have executed raids on the residences of six cardiologists in Amsterdam and Nijmegen, suspected of corruption. The Federal Investigation Agency (FOID) seized properties valued at least €1.5 million, alleging the doctors received illicit payments from medical supply companies under the pretense of research funding.

The doctors allegedly accepted money in exchange for favorable deals for these suppliers, possibly pocketing the funds through holding companies. The raids, announced on Thursday, affected eight addresses, all located in Noord-Holland and Gelderland, but no arrests were made. The six doctors involved include two from the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam and four previously employed at the CWZ hospital in Nijmegen.

Reports suggest a longstanding dispute over financial arrangements between the Nijmegen doctors and CWZ, which culminated in the doctors' dismissal last year. The FIOD has not confirmed if this dispute is linked to its current investigation. Similar raids occurred in 2022 targeting cardiologists at the Isala hospital in Zwolle, who were accused of misappropriating €3.2 million from a German pacemaker manufacturer.

The case remains unresolved, with waiting lists at the hospital increasing following the suspensions of two doctors. The FIOD claims this new investigation was prompted by tips from within the medical community and media reports. Both hospitals have declined to comment on the matter.