Zwolle, Netherlands – Former Dutch international footballer Romeo Castelen has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, with six months suspended, for money laundering. The verdict, delivered in Zwolle on Wednesday, stems from an incident in 2019 when Castelen was apprehended at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport carrying nearly €140,000 in cash. His defense has announced plans to appeal the decision.
The case, which has drawn attention in both the Netherlands and Germany due to Castelen’s time with Hamburger SV, centers around the unexplained source of the substantial amount of money found in his possession. Prosecutors had initially sought a three-year prison term, arguing that Castelen played a central role in a money laundering scheme connected to a Chinese football club.
According to court documents, Castelen, 42, claimed the funds originated from casino winnings and the sale of watches. However, judges found this explanation unconvincing, suspecting a more elaborate operation involving the laundering of money through Zhejiang Yiteng, a Chinese football club where he played from 2017 onwards. The prosecution alleged that Castelen frequently transported large sums of cash between the Netherlands and China or Hong Kong.
The investigation revealed that Castelen allegedly received substantial cash bonuses, purportedly for helping the Chinese club avoid relegation. He stated he borrowed money from the club’s technical director to purchase a home in Amsterdam, later repaying it, which accounted for the €150,000 transferred to China. However, authorities questioned the legitimacy of these transactions.
Castelen’s lawyer, Gerald Roethof, argued that his client earned millions during his professional career, including his time at HSV Hamburg, and handling large amounts of cash was commonplace. He initially told authorities he intended to use the €140,000 to purchase a watch in China.
The court also found evidence of falsified contracts designed to conceal the money laundering operation after a bank raised concerns about large transfers originating from China. Chat messages indicated a coordinated effort to disguise the illicit financial activity.
In addition to the prison sentence, Castelen has been ordered to repay €2 million. A co-defendant, a former football scout identified as Owen B., also received a prison sentence in connection with the case. The details of Owen B.’s sentence were not immediately available.
Castelen’s football career included stints with Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where he played between 2004 and 2007, earning ten caps for the Dutch national team. He then moved to Germany, joining Hamburger SV from 2007 to 2012. Following his time in Germany, he continued playing professionally before joining the Chinese club.
This case highlights the growing scrutiny of financial transactions within the world of professional football, particularly those involving international transfers and potentially opaque financial arrangements. The investigation and subsequent conviction serve as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with money laundering, even for high-profile athletes.
The former player’s legal team is preparing for an appeal, suggesting the case is far from closed. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for Castelen’s future and potentially shed further light on the alleged money laundering network.
What’s Next: Castelen’s legal team is expected to file a formal appeal in the coming weeks. The date for the appeal hearing has not yet been set. Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
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