Last updated on 27 October 2026

Handling stolen goods (heling) means acquiring, holding or passing on property that comes from a crime, when you knew this or should reasonably have suspected it. The offence is set out in Articles 416 to 417bis of the Dutch Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht, Sr). A typical example is buying a stolen bicycle or phone.

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Legal basis

Intentional handling (opzetheling) is in Article 416 Sr. You knew, when you bought or received the item, that it came from a crime. Knowingly profiting from the proceeds later is also covered. The maximum is four years in prison or a fifth-category fine.

Habitual handling (gewoonteheling) is in Article 417 Sr. It applies when someone makes a habit of intentional handling. The maximum is six years in prison or a fifth-category fine.

Culpable handling (schuldheling) is in Article 417bis Sr. You did not know, but you should reasonably have suspected that the item came from a crime. The maximum is one year in prison or a fifth-category fine. All forms are serious offences (misdrijven).

How it works in practice

The police often trace stolen goods through a crime report, a serial number or an advert on an online marketplace. The item is seized and usually returned to the owner. The buyer can then lose both the item and the money paid for it.

For intentional and culpable handling, the public prosecutor can impose a penalty order (strafbeschikking) without a hearing (Article 257a Code of Criminal Procedure, Sv). Habitual handling is more likely to lead to a summons. If someone earned money from handling, the Public Prosecution Service can also apply for a confiscation order (ontneming).

Common pitfalls

If you buy an expensive product far below market value, you are expected to ask questions. The court looks at the price, where the sale took place, the lack of a receipt and how the seller behaved. Without your own checks, culpable handling under Article 417bis Sr is easily proven.

A common defence is “I bought it online.” That only helps if you checked who the seller was and whether the price made sense. Keep chat messages, proof of payment and the advert.

Selling on an item with a suspicious origin is also handling. This applies even if you first bought it in good faith and only realised later. The sale itself can then fall under Article 416 or 417bis Sr.

Our criminal lawyers assist suspects and victims in cases involving handling stolen goods.