Funds to Be Used to Strengthen Curaçao’s Justice and Public Safety System
WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao and the United States have signed a historic agreement for the return of nearly US$30 million connected to the Bientu criminal case, with the recovered funds earmarked for strengthening Curaçao’s justice and public safety system.
The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., on September 17, following several years of cooperation between Curaçao and U.S. authorities in investigating criminal activities involving the movement of funds into overseas bank accounts.
The signing ceremony was attended by Curaçao Minister of Justice Shalten Hato, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Jennifer Hodge, a deputy assistant attorney general.
Under the agreement, the entire amount will be transferred to Curaçao’s Crime Fund. The money will be used directly to strengthen the capacity of the justice system and improve public safety.
The agreement explicitly stipulates that none of the returned funds may go back to the person convicted in the Bientu case, members of that person’s family or associated businesses.
Several priority areas have been identified for investment. These include modernization of the Curaçao Police Force (KPC), efforts to combat youth crime, prevention and enforcement measures against human trafficking, and neighborhood safety and crime prevention.
According to the Curaçao government, the funds will provide an opportunity to structurally improve security services on the island. Expected results include a more modern police infrastructure, better equipment for personnel, increased support for young people who come into contact with the justice system, and stronger programs aimed at preventing crime and violence in Curaçao’s communities.
The nearly US$30 million will not be transferred at once. Instead, the United States will release the money in three installments.
The first payment is expected within 30 days of the signing of the agreement, meaning it should be transferred by approximately mid-October 2026. Before the second installment is released, authorities will conduct reviews and checks to determine whether the initial funds were used in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
A similar review will take place before the third and final installment is transferred. According to the government, this mechanism is intended to ensure accountability and the responsible use of the recovered assets.
The signed agreement will also be made public through the official channels of Curaçao’s Crime Fund, the Ministry of Justice and the Government of Curaçao. The government said this will allow the public to see how the recovered money is allocated and spent.
The government described the agreement as unprecedented, saying Curaçao has never before secured the return of such a large amount through an arrangement of this kind.
Justice Minister Hato led the Curaçao side of the project with support from a negotiating team consisting of Saran Magdalena-Inderson and Ibrahim Isidora. The agreement represents the culmination of years of negotiations and cooperation with U.S. authorities.
The government said the recovered funds should ultimately help Curaçao strengthen its justice institutions, improve crime prevention and create safer communities across the island.