Henri L., a well-known Dutch flower trader, is wanted in Russia for drug smuggling. From an AD report this morning. The newspaper spoke with the dealer, who denies any liability.
His name is on the Interpol list of persons wanted by the Russian authorities. Supposedly acquaintances have not heard from him for ages and he suddenly disappeared from his home in Schiedam. AD was able to contact him through a tip. Henri was allegedly surprised by his inclusion on the list, says never to have had anything to do with drugs, but admits to being questioned by Russian officers in the Netherlands before.
It is not the first time that the trader has made the news. In 2009 Alfa Pack BV went bankrupt, a subcontractor of Combiflor of which Henri was a director. The latter came into serious financial trouble when a couple of large bills were not paid. These were due from 'mafiosi' from Italy, in the meantime also dreaded at the Dutch flower auction. This resulted in the exporter not being able to settle accounts at the auction, where the debt amounted to 3 million euros. Since this affair Henri can no longer show his face at the auction.
Jef Brys
That Russia is looking for him precisely seems no accident. In 2012 businessman Jef Brys was assassinated in Russia. Later this turned out to have been by order of Henri’s wife, Valeria C., who is currently serving a prison sentence for this. This Jef Brys was a business associate of the couple.