The secrets of Van der Valk, the end of Formula 1 in Zandvoort, and why only stupid criminals get caught

Everyone in the Netherlands knows Van der Valk, but almost no one knows how the company works. Until now. The FD (Financial Daily) conducted months of research and spoke with members of every branch of the family, which now numbers hundreds of people. The conclusion: the company needs to innovate if the family wants to continue its success.

One success that won't be continued is the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. The Formula 1 weekend attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, yet it will end after next year. Sponsors are pulling out, and the risk for the organizers is becoming too great. "The magic of the Max hype is starting to wane."

Russia expert Mark Galeotti wrote a book about international organized crime as a hobby project that got out of hand. He talks about Aztec cocoa bean counterfeiters, but also about how crime has evolved with the times. The godfather and his foot soldiers are a thing of the past. "Successful gangsters understand that organized crime is a market concept and have their children get MBAs and gain experience in the financial world."

Enjoy reading and have a nice Sunday.