Author of leaked report on misconduct at Amsterdam municipality suspected of violating official secrecy and computer fraud

The Public Prosecution Service has confirmed that lead investigator Bernadette Verheggen is suspected of computer fraud and violating official secrecy. Authorities conducted raids on August 19 at her residence and a vacation home, seizing various devices including laptops and phones. The investigation stems from allegations that Verheggen leaked a draft version of a report concerning misconduct within the Amsterdam municipality. This original document, titled Reporting with Confidence, scrutinized how the municipal integrity bureau managed complaints of bullying, intimidation, and discrimination. The initial findings suggested that the bureau failed to properly address these grievances, often leaving officials without feedback or clear outcomes. Following intense criticism from Mayor Femke Halsema, Ombudsman Munish Ramlal withdrew the original report and released a significantly diluted version instead. Verheggen publicly distanced herself from the revised document, which eventually led to the leak of the confidential draft. Following a formal report by the ombudsman, police executed searches at Verheggen's properties to collect evidence. The investigator has described these police actions as disproportionate.