WILLEMSTAD - Officers from the Curaçao Police Force have today arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Mike Venema. The arrests involve a 33-year-old woman and two men, aged 22 and 26, all residents of Curaçao. They are suspected of involvement in the death of Venema, whose body was found in July 2019 in a pickup truck at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea.
Mike Venema, 53 at the time, lived in an apartment on Anasaweg in Curaçao before his disappearance. Prior to going missing, he had been staying at a house in the Jan Sofat resort. After extensive investigation, the police concluded that it was a criminal case. In consultation with the Curaçao authorities, it was decided to initiate a joint investigation.
Previous Arrests in the Netherlands
Last week, two suspects were already arrested in the Netherlands: a 26-year-old woman from Rotterdam and a 24-year-old woman from Zwijndrecht. Both women are still in custody. The 26-year-old suspect has been presented to an examining magistrate in Curaçao, who extended her detention. The 24-year-old suspect will be presented to an examining magistrate in Curaçao later this week.
Extensive Investigation
The arrests are the result of a lengthy investigation, carried out in close cooperation between the police forces of Curaçao and the Netherlands. The investigation is still ongoing.
Attention was drawn to this case through the crime-solving programs "Team West" and "Opsporing Verzocht," as well as social media. The Peter R. de Vries Foundation offered a reward, which proved very valuable for the investigation. Following these calls, the police received several useful tips. The police frequently collaborate with national and regional broadcasting crime-solving programs, often solving cases thanks to public tips.
The arrests in Curaçao mark a significant step in the Mike Venema case. The joint investigation between the authorities of Curaçao and the Netherlands continues to ensure that all involved are held accountable, according to the Public Prosecution Service.