WILLEMSTAD – The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) in Curaçao is facing growing pressure as the number of serious and complex criminal cases increases, while staffing and resources remain insufficient to handle the workload effectively. This was revealed in the OM’s 2024 Annual Report, which reflects on several high-profile cases and their impact on the criminal justice system.
According to the report, the OM has seen a rise in cases under embargo and in investigations requiring the simultaneous involvement of two public prosecutors. Additionally, an increasing number of suspects are involved in multiple overlapping cases, further compounding the complexity.
“Since 2022, the number of multi-layered investigations has been steadily rising,” the OM stated, noting that this trend is placing added strain on an already overstretched organization.
High-Profile Cases That Shaped 2024
Several major criminal proceedings dominated 2024, including:
Case Reiger – The murder of Royal Netherlands Marechaussee officer Toon Brood during a home invasion led to prison sentences of up to 26 years, handed down in January 2025.
Case Crow – Nine individuals were convicted for their roles in large-scale cocaine trafficking through the port of Willemstad between 2019 and 2021. The drugs involved had a street value of over €100 million.
Case Cactus21/Shut – Five suspects were sentenced for their involvement in the disappearance and death of Mike Venema, whose body was found months later in a submerged car.
Mounting Pressure and Limited Resources
While the number of general criminal offenses is reportedly lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic, the seriousness and complexity of current cases have escalated. The OM warns that this shift demands more specialized personnel, even as staff shortages persist across both the Prosecutor’s Office and the investigative services.
In 2024, 906 new suspects were registered, a rise compared to 2023. At the beginning of the year, the OM was still dealing with 1,345 pending cases, but through a concerted effort, this was reduced to 646 open cases by December.
Despite these improvements, the OM underscores that high workloads and limited financial and human resources are affecting its ability to respond effectively. The call for greater capacity and structural reforms within Curaçao’s justice system is growing louder, but long-term solutions have yet to materialize.
