Internal Audit in Almere — When You Cannot Rely on In-House Investigation

When your own organisation cannot handle the investigation — fact-finding in Almere

In fifty years, Almere has grown from polder land into the eighth-largest municipality in the Netherlands. The city hosts a wide range of businesses: from fast-growing companies at Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan and office environments in Almere Stad to logistics firms along the A6 and care institutions in Almere Buiten. Many of these organisations are relatively young and growing faster than their internal control structures. This makes them particularly vulnerable in situations where an independent fact-finding investigation is necessary but internal capacity and expertise are lacking.

The triggers for an internal audit or fact-finding investigation vary. It may involve suspicions of financial irregularities, complaints about workplace misconduct, indications of procurement fraud, or an integrity issue involving management. In all these situations, internal investigation has fundamental limitations. Under Article 7:611 of the Dutch Civil Code, the employer is required to act as a responsible employer, which means investigations into employees must be carried out objectively, proportionately, and with due care. When the investigator is a direct colleague of those involved, that objectivity comes under pressure.

The limitations of in-house investigation

Organisations that investigate internal issues themselves encounter predictable obstacles:

• Investigators know the individuals personally, which affects objectivity
• Witnesses are reluctant to speak openly out of fear of repercussions within the team
• The accused party can more easily contest the findings due to perceived bias
• Evidence is not always secured in a forensically correct manner
• The investigator lacks specialist knowledge of OSINT, digital research, or administrative analysis
• The investigation proceeds more slowly because it runs alongside regular duties

At the District Court of Midden-Nederland, which covers Almere, the results of internal investigations are regularly scrutinised. A report prepared by a biased investigator carries less weight than an independent external report. That can make the difference between a successful dismissal or damages procedure and a rejection.

How SAJ Recherche conducts internal audits

SAJ Recherche carries out internal audits and fact-finding investigations for organisations in Almere and the Flevoland region. The investigation process follows a structured approach:

• Formulation of the research question in consultation with the client, with clear scope and objectives
• Securing relevant evidence: records, digital files, communications, and documentation
• Interviews with those involved and witnesses, conducted at a neutral location to ensure confidentiality
• Analysis of financial data, process flows, and organisational structures
• Preparation of a factual report with substantiated findings and, where requested, recommendations for next steps

All activities are carried out within the framework of the Wpbr and the GDPR (AVG). SAJ Recherche holds a POB licence. The final report is suitable as the basis for employment law procedures, board decisions, internal sanctions, or a criminal complaint to the Public Prosecution Service.

Practical example from Almere

A housing corporation in Almere Haven received reports that a project manager was consistently awarding contracts to a maintenance company without following the required tender procedure. Internal inquiries produced contradictory statements. SAJ Recherche conducted an administrative audit of the procurement processes over the past three years, combined with OSINT research into the project manager’s business relationships. The investigation revealed that the project manager and the owner of the maintenance company jointly owned a property investment company. The report was used as the basis for dissolution of the employment contract on grounds of seriously culpable conduct.

Objectivity is not a luxury — it is a requirement

When something goes wrong within your organisation that requires investigation, choosing an external investigation agency is not a sign of distrust toward your own team. It is a choice for quality, independence, and legal resilience. In Almere, where organisations grow rapidly and internal structures do not always keep pace, that choice is particularly relevant.

Do you need an independent fact-finding investigation? Get in touch with SAJ Recherche for a confidential consultation.