WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao and the Netherlands must urgently take action against the growing money laundering industry, according to Comtado Carib. Invitations from the organization to various government agencies and officials to participate in seminars on this topic were largely ignored or rejected.
Billions of euros flow through Curaçao's gambling industry and trust offices in both Curaçao and the Zuidas in the Netherlands, and Comtado Carib claims that little action is being taken to address this undermining activity.
According to Comtado Carib, the problem is so extensive that it can lead to increased violence and crime, including assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings. The organization warns that the main cause of these crimes is often related to money laundering large amounts of money, with the gambling and trust sectors playing a major role, according to the organization.
Addressing the "money laundering monster" requires integrity, objectivity, courage, determination, and perseverance from the government, according to Comtado Carib.
For an effective approach to this issue, it is essential for the Netherlands and Curaçao to obtain international support. Simply amending the Gambling Act (LOK) to attract more paying license holders and increase tax revenues is an inadequate strategy.
Improving transparency within the online gambling sector should be the highest priority. This should not only be demanded but also strictly monitored and enforced based on existing laws and regulations.
Furthermore, a significant number of integrity compliance officers must be deployed to combat large-scale money laundering practices in both the Netherlands and Curaçao.
At the same time, law enforcement capacity must be increased, a measure that will require significant efforts, much more than what is currently being done.