Former Feyenoord Winger in Money Laundering Scandal
Dutch prosecution seeks 3-year sentence for ex-Netherlands international Romeo Castelen for money laundering, involving €140,000 in cash at Schiphol Airport.
Castelen was allegedly on his way to China to buy a watch with the cash...
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service is seeking a three-year prison sentence for former Netherlands international Romeo Castelen, 42, on money laundering charges. Castelen was arrested at Schiphol Airport in 2019 with €140,000 in cash, claiming it was from casino winnings and watch sales.
The prosecution alleges Castelen laundered the money with the help of Zhejiang Yiteng's technical director, where Castelen played in 2017. They're claiming he used fake contracts to legitimize income, including a €200,000 bonus and payments for non-existent scouting work, with €1.6 million in cash deposited into his accounts.
Castelen denies the allegations, stating the cash was for a watch purchase in Hong Kong and citing his successful football career and casino winnings as sources of income. The court is expected to rule in two weeks.
Castelen claims he received the €140,000 as a bonus for helping save the club from relegation. His attorney adds that it's normal for Castelen to carry large cash amounts, given his millions earned during his 18-year playing career.
Castelen was allegedly on his way to China to buy a watch with the cash.
The prosecution is seeking a 3-year prison sentence for the former Feyenoord and Hamburger SV winger, while alleged accomplice Owen B. faces an 18-month sentence for his role in the fake contract scheme with Zhejiang Yiteng.
Romeo Castelen's football career spanned 18 years, starting with ADO Den Haag in 2001, followed by Feyenoord, HSV, and several other clubs. He made 10 appearances for the Netherlands national team, debuting in 2004.
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