WILLEMSTAD, THE HAGUE – A Curaçao-based trust office has become a central figure in a major legal case in the Netherlands, raising new questions about the island’s role in the international online gambling industry.
The case, heard this week in The Hague, involves the Dutch state-owned Nederlandse Loterij, which is taking legal action against multiple parties linked to illegal online casino operations. At the center of the proceedings is Downtown E-commerce Company B.V. (DECC), a Curaçao-based trust office accused of facilitating the structure behind the gambling website Lalabet.
The Dutch lottery operator argues that illegal gambling platforms cannot function without supporting structures, including trust offices and corporate service providers. According to its legal team, DECC played a key role by helping establish the company behind the platform and acting as its local representative.
The lawsuit is part of a broader effort to combat illegal online gambling in the Netherlands, where authorities estimate that around 200,000 players still use unregulated platforms.
DECC, however, strongly disputes the allegations. The company maintains that its involvement was limited to administrative tasks, such as forwarding mail, and that it had no operational control or knowledge of the gambling activities. According to its defense, it ceased involvement once it became aware of regulatory concerns.
The case highlights growing scrutiny of Curaçao’s financial and corporate services sector, particularly its role in hosting structures linked to international online gambling operations.
A ruling is expected on May 20, and could have far-reaching implications for trust offices operating from Curaçao and their legal responsibilities in global digital industries.