WILLEMSTAD - In response to a press release issued by the Peter R. de Vries Foundation, certain local media outlets posed questions to the Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) in Curaçao. As a result, the OM in Curaçao deemed it necessary to release this press statement.
On Friday, September 14, 2018, friends of Mike Venema, then 53 years old, reported his disappearance. Mike Venema, a resident of Curaçao, was last seen alive two days prior on September 12, 2018.
Months passed without any trace of Mike Venema until July 5, 2019, when his remains were found in a Ford Raptor pick-up truck at the bottom of the sea near the Shut area. The forensic and tactical police conducted an investigation, and all evidence suggests that Mike Venema met his demise due to foul play.
An ongoing investigation is currently being conducted into the disappearance and death of Mike Venema. The investigation spans not only Curaçao but also the Netherlands, as there are indications that individuals in the Netherlands may possess more information about this case. The Curaçao Police Force and the OM in Curaçao are collaborating with the Regional Investigation Service of the Police Unit The Hague and the OM in The Hague.
In light of recent developments in this case, various investigative actions have been taken in both the Netherlands and Curaçao in recent days. These actions will continue in the days to come. No arrests have been made in this case thus far, but it is not ruled out that arrests may be made soon.
At this time, no further details can be disclosed regarding the investigation.