WILLEMSTAD - There is a significant risk that the introduction of the Caribbean guilder could be exploited for money laundering. Anne-Marie Kemna, former head of the Financial Intelligence Unit Curaçao, has raised this concern. She highlights the danger posed by professional money launderers who may use legitimate businesses, such as local shops, to launder money. Kemna points out that money launderers are likely already engaged in this process and underscores the need for increased collaboration to counteract it.
According to her, banks and non-financial enterprises could benefit from additional training and information on the subject. She also stresses the necessity of cooperation between agencies such as the Central Bank, the Financial Intelligence Unit Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the police. Kemna further notes that 12 percent of the island’s residents do not have a bank account, resulting in a relatively high circulation of cash.