Drug-related corruption at Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam harbour

Due to high-quality physical, digital and knowledge infrastructure in the Netherlands, the Dutch main ports are important hubs in the global economy and function as gateways to the European market. However, their sophisticated facilities make these main ports attractive targets for organised crime groups looking to traffic illicit substances and goods such as drugs, thereby increasing corruption risks.

RAND Europe conducted a study on drug-related corruption threats at Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam. Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's largest airports while the Port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest container and bulk port. Awareness of the risk of corruption at these main ports has increased in recent years, particularly due to reports of such cases at these main ports.

The findings of this study provide insight into the characteristics of the main ports that can make them vulnerable to corruption, the greatest risks for the main ports, the potential impact of these risks, and the existing policy instruments to prevent and counter corruption, as well as potential risks that may become relevant in the future and policy instruments that could limit these future risks. In addition, the study aimed to assess whether the methodology of national risk assessment (NRA) can make a meaningful contribution to identifying possible corruption threats at the country's two largest main ports.

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