Two owners of restaurant chains were arrested in the Netherlands on 18 September 2026. The ongoing investigation covers eight restaurants linked to three chains and more than 70 combined residence and work permits. Authorities suspect labour exploitation, unlawful employment, permit misuse and underpayment. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Why this matters
Investigators suspect some workers admitted as specialist cooks did other jobs. They report suspected weeks of 60 to 80 hours, against 38 hours in permit applications, with extra hours possibly unpaid. A permit, contract and payslip can each look correct. Compare them with the roster and time record. Differences can disrupt payroll, cash, suppliers and service if accounts, files or data are seized.
Example
On a Saturday, a worker’s permit and contract list a 38-hour specialist cook role. With staff absent, the manager assigns service and cleaning work. Extra hours remain on a local roster and never reach payroll. The permit file, roster, time record, payslip and bank payment now conflict. One shift change may be explainable. Repeated changes without review can leave the business unable to show the worker’s real role, hours and pay.
XTROVERSO tips
- Check one real shift. Put the permit, contract, roster, time record, payslip and bank payment together. Check that the role, hours and pay match.
- Match work to permission. Check that the worker’s duties, employer and location fit the right-to-work file. A BSN is not proof of permission to work.
- Record operational changes. Set a route for changed duties, overtime and moves between locations. Send the details to HR and payroll before records close.
- Review supplied staff. Ask agencies, contractors and suppliers who employs each worker, checks identity and permission, and records hours and pay. Keep their evidence.
- Test labour cost against hours. Compare payroll cost with hours worked on the floor. A low wage percentage can indicate missing hours or workers in the records.
- Map linked arrangements. Review recruitment, housing, transport, wage advances and departure conditions. Record who controls each arrangement and what the worker pays.
Need a clear review of your staffing records and controls? We can help find the gaps
The data, sourcing, and analysis behind this article were conducted by Linda Pavan. AI was not used to identify sources, build the factual basis, or produce the analytical judgment contained here. AI was used only as a drafting aid. The final English text was personally reviewed, edited, and approved by Linda Pavan before publication.
References
- 2 aanhoudingen voor mensenhandel en mensensmokkel restaurantketens | Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie
- Rijksoverheid - Legacy of the former Asian-hospitality permit scheme
- Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie - Work-authorisation and identity checks in the operating business
- Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie - Financial models around migrant-worker exploitation
- CBS - Hospitality revenue and financial pressure
- CBS - Hospitality insolvency exposure
- Rijksoverheid - External labour suppliers and buyer responsibility under Wtta
