From Newsgroup: uk.rec.cycling


Criminal probe opened into alleged safety issue cover-up at Babboe

Investigation follows claims that cargo bike brand hid damaged frames from officials during safety inspection visits

by SIMON_MACMICHAEL FRI, MAR 29, 2024 14:32

A criminal investigation has been launched in the Netherlands over
allegations that Babboe covered up safety issues relating to its cargo
bikes.

The probe is being run jointly by the investigative arm of the Netherlands
Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the countryrCOs Public Prosecution Service, reports NL Times (link is external).

The English-language news website says that following a report yesterday by broadcaster RTL Nieuws, the NVWA, which last month ordered Babboe to temporarily halt sales of its cargo bikes due to safety concerns, confirmed that the investigation was launched several weeks ago.

Among the allegations levelled against the company, which is owned by
cycling industry giant Accell Group, which also owns brands including
Lapierre and Raliegh, are that employees hid damaged frames from NVWA inspectors when they visited its premises.

A spokesperson for the NVWA is reported as claiming that Babboe rCLbroke the lawrCY by not reporting problems that would cause frames to suddenly develop cracks and break, adding that rCLthere are indications that details were withheld.rCY

The RTL Nieuws report that prompted confirmation of the investigation
included contributions from former staff members of Babboe, who revealed
how they would be told to hide broken frames ahead of inspection visits by officials from the NVWA.

One, speaking about a visit in 2021, told the broadcaster: rCLThe NVWA was supposed to arrive at ten orCOclock. So at a quarter to eight in the morning, we went there to hide everything.

rCLWe put the broken bicycles in a van [which was then driven to another location], because they were afraid that the NVWA would take a walk around
the place.rCY

Another said: rCLWe had to empty the entire workshop. We loaded those frames into a van, and the scrap iron bin as well.rCY

The NVWA described the allegations that Babboe staff concealed damaged
frames from it as rCLreally shocking and downright disgusting.rCY

NVWA spokesman Bjorn Elsebrock told RTL Nieuws: rCLIf things are withheld, we cannot do our work. That is undermining and awful.rCY

He added that the criminal investigation now under way rCLThis must show whether the whether the findings actually happened.rCY

Last month, reacting to the NVWArCOs order to temporarily halt sales of
certain models, Babboe said in a statement that the watchdog had told it rCLthat the company has not provided enough information to prove that certain models are free from safety risks.

[Inset] Cargo bike company Babboe stops sales and tells customers to rCLimmediately stoprCY riding their bikes due to faulty frames rCo after rCLlyingrCY
about defects

rCLThe sale of these models must for this reason be put on hold,rCY Babboe continued.rC>rCYAs a precaution, Babboe has decided to temporarily stop the sales of all Babboe cargo bikes.

rCLBabboe and the NVWA continue to work together to ensure that the requested information is provided as quickly as possible, so that sales can be
resumed. Until then, we will follow the NVWArCOs advice to not use the Babboe cargo bikes.

rCLWe are currently consulting with the NVWA to prepare for a recall of
certain Babboe models. We will inform Babboe owners of this as soon as possible,rCY the company added.

<https://road.cc/content/news/criminal-probe-alleged-safety-issue-cover-babboe-307571>
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