Criminal Prosecution for Insurance Fraud in Leiden

Insurance fraud in Leiden falls under Articles 326 and 359 of the Dutch Criminal Code: fraud and forgery. Maximum penalty: four years' imprisonment and €90,000 fine. The Public Prosecution Service in The Hague, covering Leiden, applies a 90% transaction guideline for minor cases, but prosecutes systematic fraud such as the recent wave of injury claims following bicycle accidents in the city centre. Evidence: witness statements, forensic investigation by the FIOD and data exchange with local police Leiden-Rijnstreek. Insurers report via the National Insurance Fraud Reporting Centre, with intensive cooperation with Leiden insurance offices. Victims of fraudulent claims in Leiden become injured parties with speaking rights at the Leiden District Court. The Supreme Court of 's-Hertogenbosch confirmed in 2022 that simulating injury is severely punishable, a precedent followed in Leiden cases involving falls on the canals. Civil non bis in idem does not apply; parallel proceedings before the subdistrict court in Leiden possible. Recovery of fine and compensation via WM3 rules. Prevention through education by the Municipality of Leiden and AI detection by regional insurers. Annually around 500 reports in the Leiden region, with €15 million damage from fraud in home and traffic insurance. Suspects have right to counsel via the Leiden bar and evidence request. International fraud with expat insurance affects extradition treaties. This regime effectively discourages abuse in the university city. (212 words)