WILLEMSTAD - The latest investigation was published yesterday, as indicated the day before. The joint investigation by several international media organizations, including Norway’s NRK and Follow the Money, has once again placed Curaçao’s iGaming sector under intense international scrutiny.
According to Follow the Money, a hack of the Curaçao Gaming Authority’s (CGA) system gave investigators access to thousands of confidential documents concerning license applications, ownership structures and gambling companies. The investigation analyzed documents involving 646 licensed organizations and identified and verified the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) behind the companies.
The investigation also raises serious questions about how the CGA handled certain license applications where concerns existed regarding ownership, sources of capital and possible operations in countries where the companies were not licensed.
Follow the Money reports that in several cases, recommendations to grant licenses proceeded despite questions and uncertainties that remained unresolved. The CGA itself has stated that the sector is undergoing a transition under Curaçao’s new legal framework.
For me, however, this investigation is not only about iGaming. It raises much broader questions:
Who is monitoring whom?
Who is responsible when warning signs or potential risks are identified?
How thoroughly are the origins of capital and the ultimate beneficial owners of companies verified?
What happens with information uncovered by regulators and investigators?
And how are Curaçao’s interests and international reputation being protected?
The fact that international investigative journalists are now examining the sector demonstrates how important transparency, effective supervision and accountability have become. I hope these publications will lead not only to greater clarity, but also to action.
If there are indications of possible violations, fraud, corruption or the improper use of assets or funds, the competent authorities must investigate them independently and thoroughly. No individual or institution is above the law.
And if the Public Prosecutor’s Office possesses information or indications that warrant a criminal investigation, the question is simple:
What happens now?
Curaçao cannot afford to allow a local problem that has attracted international attention to continue damaging the country’s reputation. There must be transparency, oversight, investigation and accountability.
Curaçao must account for what is happening—not only to its own people, but also to the international community.
Sources: NRK – “Lekkasje fra Curaçao: søknader om lisens avslører nordmenn”; Follow the Money – “Hack onthult wie de schatrijke gokbazen zijn achter schimmige Curaçaose casinosites.”