According to the Financial Supervision Board (Cft), the Curaçao Public Prosecution Service is conducting a criminal investigation into the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), the island’s gambling regulator. The information became public through a Cft letter dated 27 November.
Cft Chair Lidewijde Ongering confirmed in the letter that, according to the Board, prosecutors are examining the activities of the CGA. The regulator itself has not issued any official comments so far, but local media report that the Criminal Investigation Cooperation Team (RST) has been working on the case for some time.
“Cft understands that the Public Prosecution Service is conducting an investigation into the CGA. The CGA is responsible for implementing the LOK. Cft is closely monitoring developments and will discuss these matters with the relevant officials,” Ongering stated in the letter.
The CGA oversees the implementation of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which is intended to modernize online gambling regulations and reform the supervisory system. The investigation comes at a time when Curaçao is trying to restore trust among international partners and move away from its reputation as an ultra-liberal gambling jurisdiction.
The review of the CGA follows a series of investigations that began after the unexpected resignation of Finance Minister Javier Silvania in October. One of the cases is related to possible corruption, while another involves accusations of providing preferential treatment to former Tax Administration director Alfonso Trona.
The new investigation has reportedly raised concerns within the industry. The Curaçao Online Gaming Association (COGA) stated that CGA’s involvement in a criminal inquiry may deepen doubts about the island’s reliability as a licensing jurisdiction and jeopardize the progress made in recent years. According to the association, the introduction of the LOK and the overhaul of the regulatory system have already raised standards and improved Curaçao’s international image. However, negative news may complicate relationships with foreign partners.
Authorities in Curaçao have not yet disclosed details of the investigation or commented on its status. The lack of official information increases uncertainty and may affect the ongoing gambling-sector reforms, especially since the very body responsible for implementing them is now under scrutiny.
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