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Contact with the FIOD? Read these 5 guidelines
FIOD: Urgent help needed ? Call +31631969502.
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FIOD Raid? Or have you been approached by the FIOD in another way? If contact with the FIOD comes unexpectedly, read these 5 guidlines. Within one minute, you will know what to do.
- Determine with what purpose the FIOD is approaching you (“statement” or “demand for documents/data”).
The FIOD wants your statement:
- Do not give any statement (in other words: do not answer any questions). As a suspect, you can invoke your right to remain silent. A witness is generally not required to cooperate at this stage either.
The FIOD wants documents or digital data:
- In most cases you are required to cooperate if the FIOD demands documents or digital data.
- However, check the following:
- Register what is handed over or, if possible, make a copy of it.
- Do not provide more information than is requested.
- Check if the order or demand is directed at the correct person or company.
- Do not hand over any data that originates from (or is addressed to): a lawyer, notary, or medical doctor.
- Check if the demand/order instructs you to maintain secrecy about the visit of the FIOD. If so, be careful not to share any information, especially not with other parties involved in the FIOD investigation.
- Do not answer questions about the content of the documents/data (see also guideline 2 above).
- Call a tax lawyer: +31 631969502 (Debbie Liem)
* For questions, you can contact our tax lawyer Debbie Liem (debbie.liem@heronlegal.com or +31 631969502).
** Would you like a customized FIOD instruction for your company? Let us know (debbie.liem@heronlegal.com). We can create a manual that includes the steps to be taken starting from the moment the FIOD enters the reception area.
