In July last year, the court in Amsterdam decided to fire Van Lienden and Damme as directors of the face mask foundation. The court also ruled that both cannot become a trustee or supervisory director of a foundation for the next five years. Van Lienden and his business partner appealed the court’s decision. In October they said there are “factual and legal reasons” for doing so.
Dismissal
The public prosecutor’s office had asked for their dismissal, together with the lawyers of seven employees who have volunteered for the foundation. Justice thinks the directors funneled clients from the face mask foundation, which they said they started a non-profit, to a trading company separate from the foundation. This made them millions.
The court appeal is separate from the criminal investigation into Van Lienden, Damme and third business partner Camille van Gestel in the face mask affair. They are suspected of money laundering, among other things.