WILLEMSTAD – Under tight security, the high-profile criminal trial against Urvin “Nuto” Wawoe began today at the Dutch naval base in Suffisant, rather than at the usual courthouse in Nieuwe Haven. The rare change of venue reflects the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, which includes charges of eleven murders and large-scale drug trafficking.
Wawoe, known by the nickname "Nuto" in his home neighborhood of Koraal Specht, is allegedly a key figure in the notorious criminal organization No Limit Soldiers. His arrest took place in Santo Domingo several years ago, after which he was extradited to the Netherlands and detained in the high-security prison in Vught. Following multiple pretrial hearings and video sessions, the full trial—referred to by authorities as Case “Themis”—is now underway.
Exceptional Security Measures
Due to the scale and gravity of the charges, the court opted to move proceedings to the military base to avoid disrupting regular operations at the city’s main courthouse. This is not the first time such a step has been taken; a similar decision was made for the high-profile trial of George Jamaloodin in the Wiels murder case.
Only ten seats have been made available for the press, and those granted access had to register in advance. Attendees are subject to strict security protocols. Vehicles are not permitted on-site, and all visitors must park at a separate location and be transported by bus. Once inside, no one may leave until the session concludes for the day. The trial is scheduled to run from June 23 to July 4, underscoring its complexity and length.
Extensive and Serious Charges
Prosecutors are presenting fourteen charges against Wawoe, now 44, including:
Membership in a criminal organization
Ordering murders
Direct involvement in murders and attempted murders on both Curaçao and Sint Maarten
Among the most serious allegations are his involvement in:
The murder of Erwin “Juni Jais” Juliana
The murder of Shanyley Arnhem
A shooting on July 15, 2014, which left seven people injured
Murders and attempted murders on Sint Maarten, including victims Kevin Metura, Omar Jones, and Adrian Browne-Thewet
Wawoe also faces multiple drug trafficking charges, including:
Smuggling 30 kilograms of cocaine and marijuana into France
Exporting over 140 kilograms from Curaçao to Jamaica and Sint Maarten
Shipping 172 kilograms of narcotics to France and the Netherlands
Planning additional drug transports
The prosecution has labeled Case “Themis” as one of the most significant and complex criminal trials in Curaçao’s history.
The proceedings will continue over the next two weeks, with the island’s justice system under heavy scrutiny as it tackles what could be a landmark case in the fight against organized crime in the region.
