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Netherlands Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten resigns over 2000 deal with drug trafficker

DUTCH Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten resigned late on Monday amid a scandal over a deal worth millions struck by prosecutors with a drug trafficker 15 years ago.

Mr Opstelten and Secretary of State Fred Teeven submitted their resignations after the ministry found evidence that the exact amount paid to trafficker Cees H at the time was 4.7 million old Dutch guilders (£1.5m).

Mr Teeven, who was Attorney General in 2000, made a deal to return to Cees H, via accounts in Luxembourg and without notifying tax authorities, cash that had been seized in an investigation.

Last year Mr Opstelten said there was no evidence when questioned by MPs.

“The investigation failed to find bank statements or other documents but I have indeed digital proof that the 4.7 million guilders was transferred to Cees H,” Mr Opstelten admitted.

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