THE NETHERLANDS – The justice ministry is powerless against banks’ refusal to conduct business with companies in the sex industry, reports ANP.

The ministry was responding an appeal for help from the trade association, the Association of Relaxation Company Operators (VER), who said banks are increasingly turning down business from escort companies or massage parlous.

The ministry said the government cannot intervene directly, and bona fide sex businesses should take legal action if banks refuse them as customers.

According to VER, banks are refusing to accept businesses in sex-related industry as new clients or closing their accounts even though they are legitimate.

The association claims banks are tarring all sex companies with the same brush because of negative associations with human trafficking and money laundering.

In a letter to the justice ministry in January, association director André van Dorst said the ING bank has offered assurances that it will do business with companies if they can prove they are operating legally.

Van Dorst is calling on other banks to follow ING's example.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica