Former Netherlands international Romeo Castelen faces money laundering charges
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The case centres on claims that millions of euros in criminal cash were funnelled through a Chinese football club - accusations the ex-winger strongly denies.
According to the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service), Castelen is suspected of laundering approximately €2.2 million.
Prosecutors allege that large sums of illicit cash were transported from the Netherlands to China and Hong Kong, where they were subsequently legitimised through fabricated contracts and payments.
Castelen's legal troubles began in November 2019, when he was stopped at Schiphol Airport carrying €139,000 in cash.
Detection dogs reportedly flagged his hand luggage, leading authorities to discover bundles of €100, €200 and €500 notes concealed inside his shirt.
When questioned in court, Castelen offered an explanation for the money.
I had the cash with me to buy a watch in Hong Kong. I believed I only needed to declare it upon arrival by completing a form on the flight.He further claimed that part of his funds came from casino winnings, acknowledging a period of heavy gambling following his retirement from professional football.
Prosecutors outline alleged scheme
The investigation, led by the Dutch financial crime agency FIOD, has been ongoing for five years.Prosecutors argue that Castelen, who socred one goal in 10 appearances for the Oranje, played a pivotal role in a complex laundering operation involving the Chinese club Zhejiang Yiteng, one of his former teams.
Authorities allege that cash collected in the Netherlands was transported to China or Hong Kong on multiple occasions.
Once there, the funds were allegedly wired back to bank accounts in the Netherlands and Germany under the guise of legitimate football-related income.
The prosecution claims that falsified contracts were created to justify the payments.
One such transaction reportedly included a €200,000 bonus awarded to Castelen after the club avoided relegation.
A co-defendant, identified in court as Owen B., is accused of producing scouting reports that prosecutors believe never existed.
He disputes this claim, stating that dozens of handwritten reports were compiled.
I wrote around thirty or forty reports in an A4 notebook.
Questions over cash deposits
Investigators also highlighted Castelen's banking activity, pointing to roughly €1.6 million in cash deposits made over time.The frequent use of €500 notes - rarely seen in everyday transactions - raised further suspicion among authorities, who associate the denomination with criminal networks.
Castelen rejected the implications, maintaining that his wealth stemmed from a successful playing career spanning multiple countries.
Accompanied by defence lawyer Gerald Roethof, Castelen told the court he earned substantial sums during his time with Hamburg SV.
I earned between €6 and €7 million in Hamburg alone. Later, in Russia, Australia, South Korea and China, I was still making three or four hundred thousand euros per year.Despite those earnings, Castelen claimed that his fortune has largely been spent on living costs, luxury watches and past property investments.
Verdict expected in March
The Zwolle court is expected to deliver its ruling in mid-March.The decision will determine whether Castelen and his co-defendant face prison sentences.
For now, the former Feyenoord Rotterdam star continues to deny any involvement in criminal financial activity, insisting the funds were lawfully obtained.
The case remains closely watched, given Castelen's past prominence in Dutch football and the broader concerns surrounding financial integrity in professional sport.
FAQ
Who is Romeo Castelen?
Romeo Castelen is a former Dutch professional footballer who played as a winger and earned ten caps for the Netherlands national team. He played for clubs in the Netherlands, Germany, and several Asian leagues.What are the allegations against him?
Dutch prosecutors accuse Romeo Castelen of laundering approximately €2.2 million. Authorities believe large sums of cash were moved abroad and later returned through allegedly fabricated football-related payments.Why was Romeo Castelen stopped at Schiphol Airport?
In November 2019, Romeo Castelen was detained at Schiphol Airport after authorities discovered €139,000 in cash concealed in his luggage, prompting a wider financial investigation.What explanation did Castelen give for the cash?
Romeo Castelen told the court the money was intended to purchase a luxury watch in Hong Kong. He also claimed that part of his funds came from casino winnings.Has Romeo Castelen been convicted?
No. The case is still before the court, with a verdict expected in March. Prosecutors have requested a three-year prison sentence.- Scunthorpe United condemn fan after counterfeit money used at home match
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