The police raided the Melis Events company in Dessel on Tuesday. This was done on behalf of the labor auditor. The three managers have been arrested for questioning, in addition to a fourth person who was present in the building. The investigation is said to be related to tax fraud allegedly committed by the company.
The Antwerp Labor Audit Office had searches carried out at several locations on Tuesday. These fit in with a judicial investigation that the public prosecutor’s office is conducting into fraud in social criminal law. The investigation focuses on Melis Events and other related companies. The well-known events company also operates several catering establishments in the Kempen, but it is not clear whether these are included in the research.
The raid was carried out by the police forces of the local zone Balen-Dessel-Mol, assisted by the social inspection services. During the raid on the headquarters of Melis Events on Zandbergen in Dessel, the three managers – the Melis brothers – were arrested for questioning, together with a fourth person. The investigation is said to be related to social fraud allegedly committed by the company. This may involve undeclared work. In addition, there would also be an (older) investigation into unfairly collected subsidies and premiums, such as during the corona pandemic.
The Antwerp Labor Audit Office does not wish to make any statements about the contents of the file. “The investigation will continue by the inspection services under the leadership of the investigating judge,” it said. “Given the secrecy of the investigation, no further comment will be made.”
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Sounding name
Melis Events provides catering at major events such as music festivals and sporting events, but also decorates events itself. The quintessential Dessel family business was founded half a century ago by father Armand Melis, who started selling hot dogs at local events after his hours as a postmaster. The company grew into a broad events company, originally in Hannekestraat, but later at the current site in Zandbergen.
Melis is a resounding name in Dessel. Father Armand was an alderman for a while, but his name remains mainly linked to the KFC Dessel Sport football club. He was chairman for a while and the current stadium is named after him. After his death in 2010, his three sons continued the company. The family has since also been involved in a turbulent inheritance issue.
Tags: Police raid Dessels catering company Melis Events managers fourth person arrested questioning Dessel
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