PostNL top men still in jail for 14 days

The Antwerp labour auditor appealed Monday, against the decision of the Malinois court to release PostNL CEO Rudy Van Rillaer under conditions. The unconditional release of the operations manager, which the chamber also decided on Friday, is also suspended on appeal. The release of the third suspect has not been appealed.

Van Rillaer and De Bruin will therefore remain in the cell for at least another 14 days, until the chamber of indictments reviews the case. Lawyer John Maes, who is assisting operational director John de Bruin, reacted briefly: "I take note of the decision of the labour prosecutor. They have the right to appeal," Maes said. "I regret the decision, but I have no influence on it. I am now preparing for the hearing of the indictment chamber, which should take place within 15 days at the latest, where I will again assist my client."

Van Rillaer and De Bruin, together with the manager of the depot in Willebroek, were arrested by the examining magistrate last Tuesday, on suspicion of human trafficking, illegal secondment, moonlighting and leading a criminal organisation. Courier service PostNL is said to impose such conditions on its subcontractors, leaving them no choice but to break the law to get their parcels delivered. 

Last Friday, the Malinois court had decided to release CEO Van Rillaer under conditions and to release operations manager John de Bruin and the manager of the depot in Willebroek without conditions. The Ministry of Labour lodged an appeal against the release of the first two on Monday.

© BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS: Illustration picture taken during the opening of PostNL Belgium's first high-tech sorting and distribution center, in Willebroek, Thursday 24 February 2022.