Visit to the Anonymous Helpline in the Netherlands – Meld Misdaad Anoniem NL
In January 2025, Marianne visited the Dutch reporting office Meld Misdaad Anoniem (M), which allows individuals to anonymously report their observations. Over the years, the anonymous helpline has evolved into a unique institution in the Netherlands, receiving approximately 20,000 reports in 2024 alone.
During the development phase of ACT212, its founder also conducted a working visit to M, using its model as a partial blueprint for ACT212’s national anonymous reporting office. This recent visit provided valuable insights into the continued evolution of M and serves as an excellent example for ACT212’s work. The knowledge gained will be applied to further enhance the effectiveness of ACT212’s operations. International collaborations like these are of great significance, and ACT212 is deeply grateful to M’s leadership for their willingness to share knowledge and expertise.
The anonymous reports received by M are carefully reviewed and forwarded to the relevant authorities, most often the police. The results are highly positive: The ability to report anonymously has proven to be an effective tool in solving crimes. Many reports related to human trafficking have been submitted, providing a crucial opportunity to combat organized crime and its increasing infiltration into the economy.
The infiltration of legal economic structures by organized crime is also becoming a growing concern in Switzerland. This issue is directly linked to human trafficking, a connection that Swiss Attorney General Stefan Blättler underscored in a newspaper statement on January 5, 2025.
In a world where organized crime is increasingly penetrating legitimate business structures, the ability to report suspicions anonymously through ACT212’s National Reporting Office is invaluable. It enables victims and witnesses to come forward without fear of retaliation, ensuring that critical information reaches the appropriate authorities.
The National Reporting Office plays a crucial role in uncovering hidden criminal activities—cases that might otherwise go undetected. By reducing the number of unreported cases of human trafficking and exploitation, it not only strengthens victim protection and whistleblower security but also helps safeguard economic integrity and uphold social order. As organized crime continues to evolve, strengthening mechanisms for anonymous reporting remains essential in the fight against exploitation and abuse.
Marianne Kuil (21.01.2025)