A former high-profile executive has been handed a four-month suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of purchasing cocaine worth over DKK 70,000 between December 2021 and July 2022. The conviction follows an investigation led by the Danish National Unit for Serious Crime.
The individual did not attend the hearing at Lyngby Court but admitted to cocaine use, denying the scale alleged by prosecutors. Defence argued the drugs were for personal use, citing pressure and a mental breakdown, and highlighted uncertainties in the police's quantity estimates. The court accepted that there was no intent to distribute and rejected the prosecution's request for deportation.
The convicted man, David Briggs, held the top executive role at Velux during the period in question and had worked with the company for around 30 years. He resigned in September 2022, citing family reasons. At the time, Velux expressed regret over his departure, stating they respected his decision.
Following Monday's verdict, Velux released a statement saying it was "shocked" and that the actions "are not at all in line with the values we have". The company also confirmed it was unaware of the drug use during his employment and that it had not been involved in the legal proceedings.
The case stemmed from a broader investigation into a drug and weapons smuggling network, during which authorities uncovered the executive's involvement through intercepted communications. Payments were reportedly made via MobilePay.
The former executive stated through an email read in court: 'I am ashamed. My drinking and drug abuse was due to pressure.' He claimed the case had cost him millions in remuneration and irreparably damaged his reputation.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk