Rotterdam, Netherlands – A Belgian cryptocurrency investor has won a legal battle against the accounting and advisory firm Deloitte after a court ruled the company discriminated against him due to his political beliefs.
The Rotterdam court determined that Deloitte acted unlawfully when it rejected Olivier Janssens as a client, citing his libertarian views. The ruling underscores the increasing scrutiny of how companies navigate the political and philosophical convictions of potential clients.
Janssens, a Monaco resident and early Bitcoin adopter, first encountered issues with Deloitte in early 2022 when he sought assistance with a value-added tax refund related to apartment purchases in Cadzand-Bad. He had purchased three apartments for approximately €13.852.080. According to reports, a Deloitte employee explicitly referenced his libertarian ideology as a reason for the rejection in an email.
Deloitte later acknowledged the phrasing in the email was “unfortunate” and issued an apology, stating other factors, such as the limited scope of the potential engagement and a lack of existing client relationship, also contributed to the decision. However, the court found that the initial rejection was based on prohibited political grounds.
Janssens is known for his advocacy of libertarian principles and his involvement with projects like the Free Society Foundation, which aims to establish a libertarian, crypto-driven state. He has been a vocal proponent of cryptocurrency as a tool for freedom and independence.
While the court sided with Janssens, the awarded damages were limited, with a significant portion of his claimed costs not meeting the criteria for reimbursement. The case highlights the challenges companies face in balancing business decisions with the need to avoid discrimination based on political or philosophical beliefs. Accountancy van Morgen reported that the ruling may have broader implications for how businesses approach the political affiliations of current and prospective clients, particularly in sensitive sectors like finance and consulting.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, could prompt a reevaluation of client selection and vetting practices at Deloitte and similar firms. De Telegraaf detailed the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of avoiding discrimination based on ideological grounds.
Janssens initially brought the complaint after feeling discriminated against due to his political views. Fiscaal van Morgen reported on the initial filing of the lawsuit in August 2025.
