WILLEMSTAD – The investigating judge has extended the pretrial detention of priest Carlos Donado by eight days. The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) suspects the clergyman of money laundering and arrested him on Monday at Hato Airport upon his return from Colombia.
OM spokesperson Roderick Gouverneur confirmed the extension but declined to provide further details about the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Willemstad has not yet responded to inquiries from the press regarding the case.
It remains unclear whether the diocese itself reported any suspicious activity or if the authorities launched the investigation independently. Money laundering involves converting illicit funds into what appears to be legitimate income, often through concealed financial transactions.
Donado has been a priest for 41 years, serving in various parishes across Curaçao. Just six years ago, he celebrated his 35th anniversary as a priest with fellow clergy and parishioners. His arrest has caused a significant stir within the Catholic community.