Sick leave fraud investigation: clarity when abuse is suspected
If there's a well-founded suspicion that an employee on sick leave isn't actually unable to work (for example because they're working elsewhere), Santos Recherchebureau investigates this through surveillance and public-source research. This is only permitted after you've involved the company doctor or UWV, there is a reasonable suspicion, and the investigation is proportionate; we assess this with you beforehand.
An employee has been on sick leave for months, but colleagues see them active on social media, or worse, at a competitor's client. As an employer you want certainty before taking action, and that has to be done carefully or your case will be weak.
Common signs
- The employee is conspicuously active on social media while on sick leave
- Signs the employee is working elsewhere
- A pattern of short, repeated absence without clear medical grounds
- The employee isn't cooperating with the reintegration process
We regularly see this with employers in healthcare, where sick leave is often structurally higher than average. In a sector facing staff shortages, it's especially important to be able to distinguish genuine absence from abuse.
How we work
Our investigation strictly follows the legal framework:
- We first assess together whether the conditions are met (company doctor/UWV involved, reasonable suspicion, proportionality)
- Static and dynamic surveillance, only in public places, by certified investigators
- Research using public sources where relevant
- A report you can use with the company doctor, UWV, or in a dismissal procedure
Our corporate fraud investigators
Business investigatorsSpecialised in sick leave and fraud investigations for employers, with knowledge of employment law.
All investigations are carried out by licensed investigators (POB 7635), within the framework of the Dutch Private Security Organisations and Investigation Bureaus Act (Wpbr) and the GDPR. Read more on our page Is hiring a private investigator legal?
Cost indication
| Investigation type | Indication |
|---|---|
| Legal feasibility check | free of charge |
| Short surveillance investigation | from approx. €2,000 |
| Extended investigation | custom quote after intake |
See our full cost breakdown for more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employer use a private investigator for sick leave fraud?
Yes, provided there is a reasonable suspicion of fraud, the investigation is proportionate, and you've first involved the company doctor or UWV. GDPR requires a legitimate interest; we assess this with you beforehand.
What happens if fraud is proven?
A well-substantiated report can be grounds for withholding pay or, in serious cases, dismissal. The final employment-law assessment rests with your legal counsel.
Do I need to inform the works council?
This depends on your organisation and internal agreements; we advise aligning this with your legal or HR advisor beforehand.
Is this investigation GDPR-compliant?
Yes, provided it's carried out proportionately by a licensed bureau. We document the legitimate basis as part of the case file.
What clients say about us
“Zeer snel en discreet de vraag beantwoord. Ga zo door!”
“Fijne samenwerking gehad met Santos. Snel schakelen, duidelijke terugkoppeling en een zorgvuldige aanpak. Zeker aan te bevelen.”
“Ik heb een zeer goede ervaring met Santos. Ze zijn professioneel en gaan uiterst discreet en vakkundig met een situatie om. Door de persoonlijke benadering voel je je als klant goed begrepen, en ze leveren snel het gewenste resultaat. Kortom, ik kan Santos zeker aanbevelen!”
Want to know what we can do for you?
Get in touch, free and without obligation. We respond within 24 hours and think along with you, discreetly.
4.9/5 · 16 reviews on Google · Licensed investigation bureau · POB 7635
