WILLEMSTAD - A recent leak has revealed that a Venezuelan banker may have provided local authorities with sensitive information regarding politically exposed persons (PEPs) and their accounts at the Bank of Curazao. The news was sourced from an email sent to creditors of Banco del Orinoco NV by Víctor Vargas Irausquín, the president and majority shareholder of Cartera de Inversiones Venezolanas C.A., a Venezuelan company that holds the majority stake in the bank and other financial institutions on the island.
In the email, Vargas Irausquín expressed concerns over the bank's failure to address the fact that many of its creditors are Venezuelan citizens, including PEPs. He pointed out the challenges these individuals face in opening accounts with American banks, and suggested that tailored plans be created to address these specific issues. The email implies that the bank is potentially not adhering to global banking standards, particularly when it comes to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
It remains unclear whether Cartera de Inversiones Venezolanas has already provided the names and account details of these individuals as required by the authorities. Such information is critical in ensuring compliance with international banking laws, including measures designed to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering.
Curaçao Chronicle reached out to Cartera de Inversiones Venezolanas C.A. to confirm whether the information had been shared with authorities, but no response has been received as of this publication.
This development raises serious questions about the transparency and regulatory practices at the Banco del Orinoco, especially in relation to Venezuelan nationals with political ties. The situation is still unfolding, and further investigation is expected to shed light on the full extent of the claims.