A blocked bank account during a criminal investigation
Your bank account is blocked. Ask whether this is the bank's own restriction, criminal seizure or both. Different measures can exist together and require different procedures.
Duration: 1:40
Further reading and sources
This video summarises the main points. The full article provides more detail, exceptions and official sources. This information does not replace advice about your case.
Read the full articleSpoken transcript
Download the transcriptCriminal Law in the Netherlands.
Your bank account is blocked. Ask whether this is the bank's own restriction, criminal seizure or both. Different measures can exist together and require different procedures.
Keep the bank's notice and any official seizure document. Ask what transactions or balances are affected and which authority is responsible. Do not infer a complete investigation from limited information alone.
List urgent consequences for rent, care or business payments and keep supporting records. Distinguish essential costs from estimates. Concrete information helps explain the practical impact of the restriction.
Ask your lawyer which request, complaint or court procedure fits the actual restriction. A complaint to the bank does not necessarily challenge criminal seizure, and the reverse is also true.
Making a request or explaining hardship does not guarantee release of funds. Read the response carefully and check whether any part of the restriction actually changed before relying on access.
Save notices, supporting documents and decisions in order. Ask what remains in force and which next step is appropriate. Do not confuse a promise to review the situation with an actual release decision.
Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.
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