The company PAL-V in Raamsdonksveer that builds flying cars is suspected of fraud of millions. The labor inspectorate raided the police on Thursday and took a copy of the administration with them. Director Robert Dingemanse confirms the action of the investigative services, but denies fraud. “I am very surprised by this.”
According to the labor inspectorate, the company received millions of euros in NOW support during the corona crisis. This is an allowance for staff income, with which the government wanted to prevent people from being fired en masse during the corona crisis.
Incorrect information
According to the labor inspectorate, however, the company has a turnover of tens of thousands of euros and the aid of millions is disproportionate. “The subsidies were probably applied for on the basis of incorrect information,” the inspectorate writes.
During the raid, the business premises next to the highway were searched. The administration, laptops, tablets and telephones have been seized. The investigation is led by the Functional Public Prosecutor’s Office.
‘Done nothing wrong’
Director Dingemanse reacts greatly surprised by the raid by the investigative services. In his own words, he had known for months about an investigation into the NOW subsidies received. “We also think it is logical that the government checks this. It is a lot of money. But we have not done anything wrong.” According to Dingemanse, the company engaged three accountants when submitting the subsidy applications.
“As a startup, the turnover-application ratio is strange. That’s why we always had the applications checked. Also in consultation with the UWV, which paid out the subsidies. We did exactly what the scheme was intended for: if it wasn’t there , we should have fired a lot of people,” says Dingemanse. “Because we have been so careful, I look forward to the investigation with confidence.”
Solve a traffic jam
The PAL-V company is known for the flying car of the same name it produces. According to the company, this should be the solution to the traffic jam problem. More than 100 pieces have already been ordered.
The development of the flying car has been going on for more than ten years. The first deliveries were initially planned in 2018, but there is no salable product yet. This is partly due to complex regulations that flying cars must comply with. Now PAL-V hopes to have them delivered in 2024.
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