WILLEMSTAD - In light of recent publications concerning accusations by Brazilian authorities of alleged money laundering, customer fraud, and the funneling of funds to influencers promoting an online casino operated by a company based in Curaçao, Minister Silvania, responsible for Curaçao's online gambling sector, has responded promptly. 

Brazilian media have claimed that the online gambling company Blaze has been accused by Brazilian authorities of money laundering, customer fraud, and channeling money to influencers promoting the online casino. Blaze is said to be owned by Prolific Trade N.V., a company based in Curaçao and managed by E-Moore B.V., a licensed trust company in Curaçao. 

Minister Silvania has requested the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) to investigate the allegations and determine if any Curaçao licensee is involved in this matter. If it is found that a Curaçao licensee is involved in any capacity, he urged the GCB to take appropriate measures against the respective licensee within its current power and resources as soon as possible. 

Furthermore, Minister Silvania has urged the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) to conduct its own investigation, as local trust service providers hold licenses and are supervised by the CBCS. 

Based on the current supervision law, online gambling companies operating under a contract (known as a "sub-license") with a licensee in Curaçao are not directly regulated by the GCB, making it very difficult for Curaçao to regulate online gambling. This is the main reason why Minister Silvania has made it a priority since taking office to reform the Curaçao online gambling sector, including the introduction of a new law regulating gambling. The new law (LOK), which will be implemented later this year, will provide the new regulator, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), with the necessary tools to oversee online gaming in Curaçao based on internationally accepted standards. 

Although the accusations have not yet been fully investigated and confirmed by local authorities, it is undeniable that Curaçao is once again being portrayed negatively in the international community. Having an LOK and a CGA is intended to prevent and reduce unwanted and illegal activities through Curaçao's structures. 

Minister Silvania is pleased to announce that the draft LOK was submitted to the Advisory Council in the first week of June, which is the final step before the law is presented to Parliament.