Dutch Trader Jailed for Falsifying Documents in Horsemeat Scandal

A Dutchman has reportedly been sentenced to jail after authorities
determined that his companies sold at least 336 metric tons of
horsemeat labeled as beef in 2013. Willy Selten will serve 2.5 years for
forging invoices, labels and declarations and using forged documents
to sell meat. The court judgment apparently determined that Selten
“contributed to a negative image for the Dutch meat industry and
damaged the sector’s interests” because he sold the horsemeat-beef
mixture to foreign firms. During his trial, Selten admitted that he was
negligent with his administration, but he argued that he is “not the big
horsemeat swindler they’re all looking for.” Since 2013, Selten declared
bankruptcy and faces damages claims of €11 million. Details about the
sentencing of two U.K. men related to falsifying documents and failing to
keep adequate records appear in Issue 560 of this Update.

Issue 561