WILLEMSTAD - The director of the government audit bureau SOAB, Raymond Faneyte, has voiced strong criticism toward local politicians, accusing them of misusing the bureau’s name in political debates and making false or misleading statements about its work.

In an interview with the press, Faneyte expressed frustration that some politicians have been invoking SOAB’s reports for political gain or misrepresenting its findings. “Certain comments about SOAB are simply not accurate or fair,” he said.

SOAB — the Stichting Overheidsaccountantsbureau — has been under public scrutiny in recent weeks after publishing reports that revealed alleged irregularities involving Landsontvanger Alfonso Trona at the Tax Department. The reports prompted an ongoing investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM).

As the internal auditor for the government, SOAB’s role is to ensure that public funds are managed properly and that regulations are followed. Faneyte emphasized that the bureau operates under strict professional standards and ethical rules.

“We always act according to our professional obligations,” Faneyte said. “SOAB’s mission is to serve the public interest — honestly, professionally, and independently — regardless of political pressure or interpretations.”

The director’s remarks come amid heightened political tension surrounding the investigation into the Tax Department and criticism of how government audits are used in political narratives.

Faneyte urged all parties to respect the independence of the audit bureau and to avoid distorting its work for political purposes, warning that “mixing politics with professional integrity only undermines public trust.”