WILLEMSTAD – The police have once again arrested an individual in possession of a fake driver’s license, underscoring concerns that forged documents are still in circulation despite recent warnings from the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM).

The arrest took place on Wednesday, September 24, around 5:00 p.m. during a routine traffic control in the Waaigat area. Officers discovered that the license presented by a driver was fraudulent.

50-Year-Old Suspect Detained

The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Curaçaoan resident W.C.L., was immediately taken into custody on suspicion of document forgery. A justice officer ordered his preliminary detention pending further investigation.

The case follows earlier warnings issued by the OM last month. In a similar incident, a man admitted to purchasing a fake license in 2019 for 150 guilders. He was prosecuted for using the document as if it were genuine. Prosecutors in that case demanded 100 hours of community service, half of which was conditional, and the court ultimately imposed a conditional 100-hour service penalty with two years’ probation and supervision.

Harsh Penalties for Forgery

Authorities stressed that a driver’s license is both an identity document and proof of driving competency. Forging or using false documents is a criminal offense punishable by fines, community service, or imprisonment. Under current law, penalties can reach up to six years in prison.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office once again urged citizens to apply for or renew licenses only through official channels to ensure authenticity and avoid serious legal consequences.