Gerard Sanderink Missing: Millions From Centric Sale Untraceable

The protracted saga surrounding Dutch IT entrepreneur Gerard Sanderink has taken another bizarre turn, with reports indicating he is currently “untraceable” and preventing the transfer of a €50 million payout from the sale of assets related to his former company, Centric. The funds, stemming from the disposal of Centric’s subsidiaries, remain frozen as authorities struggle to locate Sanderink to finalize the transaction.

The situation, detailed in recent reports from NU.nl and RTL.nl, highlights the increasingly complex legal and financial entanglements surrounding the businessman. A court in The Hague has reportedly issued a ruling confirming Sanderink’s unavailablity, hindering the disbursement of the funds held by Eukairos B.V., the current holding company for the former Centric assets.

Sanderink’s troubles began to escalate following the sale of Centric, and a subsequent investigation into his business dealings. In 2022, the Enterprise Chamber intervened, removing Sanderink from his position as director and shareholder of Centric due to what was described as “irrational behavior.” Control of his shares was transferred to a temporary administrator, effectively ending his direct influence over the company, as reported by Fruytier Lawyers in Business. This intervention followed concerns about the management and direction of the IT firm.

The current impasse over the €50 million payout is not an isolated incident. Reports suggest Sanderink may be avoiding contact with authorities due to mounting debts in the Netherlands. According to RTL.nl, he has reportedly been hiding in a German village near Kleve, close to the Dutch border. A visit to his registered address in Germany reportedly revealed “large stacks of unopened mail,” including potential legal notices and invoices.

The situation is further complicated by Sanderink’s increasingly erratic behavior and claims of a vast conspiracy against him. Computable.nl reports that Sanderink alleges he has been “robbed” of his fortune, blaming a network of individuals including his ex-partner, alleged drug criminals, and even international entities. He claims his “billions-euro empire” has been systematically undermined.

Despite these claims, Sanderink reportedly told Quote magazine he is effectively penniless, stating, “I have nothing, I will get nothing, and who is going to worry about nothing?” This statement contrasts sharply with the €50 million payout he is entitled to, and the estimated €600 million value of his business empire in 2019. His former partner, Rian van Rijbroek, has reportedly informed him that the funds from the Centric sale are unlikely to materialize.

Centric, now under new ownership, appears eager to resolve the financial settlement but is hesitant to transfer such a substantial sum based solely on emailed instructions, given concerns about the authenticity of communications purportedly originating from Sanderink. The company is reportedly wary that documents sent via email may not actually reach him, as Van Rijbroek is known to have access to his email account.

The unfolding events raise questions about the future of Sanderink’s remaining assets and the potential for further legal battles. While the €50 million remains in limbo, the broader implications of his financial difficulties and alleged conspiracy theories could have ramifications for his other business interests, including construction firm Strukton and engineering bureau Antea. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with complex corporate structures and the potential for personal conduct to derail even substantial business empires.

The situation remains fluid, with Eukairos B.V. Stating it is awaiting further action from creditors to resolve the matter. The fate of the €50 million, and indeed Sanderink’s financial future, remains uncertain as the search for the elusive businessman continues.