PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In interest of the ongoing “Larimar” criminal investigation, the Anti-Corruption Taskforce (TBO) of the National Detectives (RST), conducted several house and office searches on Sint Maarten and Curaçao.
As a result property was seized and suspects G.P. and R.E. were arrested. The “Larimar” investigation underscores corruption, money laundering and payment of bribes to a public official on Sint Maarten by a construction company.
In connection with the reconstruction of Sint Maarten following Hurricane Irma, TBO is on alert for signs of corruption and fraud in both the public and construction sectors. The TBO is a collaborative force consisting of the RST and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Attorney General of Curaçao and St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
The TBO specializes in tackling financial crime and corruption and investigates several aspects of fraud, such as tax fraud, forgery and money laundering. Corruption diminishes the country’s income and has a negative impact on the country’s economic prosperity. Corruption causes unfair competition and results in a lack of confidence in the government.
