~ four suspects E. Meyers, D. Florentina, L. Rog and R. Rondei was arrested in the “Pompei” investigation ~
Press Release from the Prosecutor Office:
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Officers of the Kingdom Detectives Cooperation Team, RST, assisted by members of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM), the Dutch Royal Marechaussee and the National Detectives Agency held searches on November 1, 2016 at the brothels El Capitan and Petit Chateau including secondary offices.
The searches were the result of a lengthy investigation by the RST code named “Pompei”. The searches were led by four Prosecutors and in the presence of an Investigative Judge.
The suspects E.R.M. (65), owner of the brothels, D.F. (54), manager of El Capitan, L.M.A.R. (50) manager of Petit Chateau and R.L.R. (47), assistant to the management) were arrested in connection with illegal possession of firearms, human trafficking (exploitation), illegal employment and human smuggling. E.R.M.’s house was also searched.
Documents, a firearm and digital data carriers were confiscated. Also, a total of 29 women from the Dominican Republic and Colombia were present. The majority did not have valid permits. They will be handed over to the immigration authorities to be deported.
In connection with efforts to recover proceeds of crime five cars, two boats, four trucks, one backhoe, watches and cash money were confiscated. After all crime does not pay.
In the meantime the Chief Prosecutor asked the Minister of Justice to take into consideration to close the brothels by suspending their business licenses.
