WILLEMSTAD – The Diocese of Willemstad had been keeping an eye on Father Carlos Donado of Montaña for some time before his arrest last Sunday. However, the diocese states that it does not have the authority to independently investigate financial irregularities.
According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the priest is suspected of money laundering. The suspicion arose after irregularities were detected in financial transactions linked to the parish where he served. Reports in local media suggest that funds intended for the parish did not reach their proper destination, with some amounts allegedly being transferred to Colombia.
While the diocese was aware of suspicious financial movements, it lacked the legal authority to investigate the matter. Authorities are now examining whether embezzlement may also be involved, in addition to money laundering.