Lucas Bols executive resigns over Panama Papers

Lucas Bols has announced the resignation of Bert Meerstadt, member of the Dutch spirits group’s Supervisory Board, after he was linked to the recently leaked Panama Papers.

Bert Meerstadt has stepped down from the Supervisory Board of Lucas Bols. Picture credit: ABN

A number of Dutch newspapers, including Het Financieele Dagblad, have named Meerstadt, as part of their investigations into the so-called Panama Papers.

This month, more than 11 million confidential documents linked to Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonasca were dispersed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and a number of media partners.

They named several executives and world leaders who allegedly benefited from offshore businesses and accounts to avoid tax.

Media reports have stated that Meerstadt is the primary shareholder in the Virgin Island-based Morclan Corporation, which was set up by Mossack Fonesca in 2001.

The 54-year-old executive, who also sits on the advisory board of Dutch bank ABN, has not admitted any wrongdoing.

In addition to resigning from Lucas Bols, Meerstadt has also stepped down from his position at ABN, which he claims he wants to protect from any “adverse affects”. Meerstadt said he already planned the leave the bank sometime in 2016.

Derk Doijer, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lucas Bols, confirmed Meerstadt’s departure from the group in a statement: “We respect the decision of Bert Meerstadt to resign from our Supervisory Board. We would like to thank Bert for his valuable contribution to the development of Lucas Bols in the past 10 years.”