WILLEMSTAD – Suspended Curaçao Tax Collector Alfonso Trona says he expects to be questioned again next week by the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST) and the Landsrecherche as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into alleged irregularities at the Tax Collector's Office. Trona claims that if the case proceeds to court, he will publicly disclose names, companies and details of what he alleges were questionable actions by former Finance Minister Javier Silvania.
The announcement comes as the controversy surrounding Trona continues to intensify following the publication of internal audit reports by the government auditing foundation SOAB, which raised serious concerns about administrative practices, tax refunds and possible preferential treatment of taxpayers.
According to Trona, he has been informed that he must provide another statement to investigators next week. He expects that the investigation will eventually lead to a decision on whether criminal prosecution will follow or whether the case will be dismissed without prosecution.
However, there has been no official confirmation that prosecutors will make such a decision immediately after his next questioning.
Trona expressed confidence that the authorities would ultimately decide to discontinue the case. He argued that proceeding to court could expose information that has not yet become public.
The suspended Tax Collector warned that if the matter reaches a courtroom, he intends to disclose what he describes as damaging information concerning decisions and activities involving Silvania during his tenure as Minister of Finance.
According to Trona, this could include the identities of individuals and companies, as well as detailed information about transactions and administrative decisions within the Tax Collector's Office.
His remarks suggest that he is prepared to make a broader public challenge to the former minister's conduct if criminal proceedings are initiated.
The allegations against Silvania remain unverified, and Trona has not yet publicly presented the documents necessary to substantiate the specific claims contained in this latest statement.
Criminal Investigation Underway Since 2025
The criminal investigation involving Trona is not new.
Recent reporting by Antilliaans Dagblad and other Curaçao media confirms that the RST has been conducting an investigation under the code name Samos since early 2025.
The investigation followed a highly publicized confrontation between Trona and Silvania, during which the two men accused each other of improper conduct. A recording of the confrontation was subsequently leaked, contributing to a political controversy that preceded Silvania's resignation as Finance Minister in October 2025.
The Public Prosecutor's Office has provided little public information about the progress of the investigation or its possible outcome.
Recent reporting has also established that Trona remains a suspect in an active criminal investigation, although the precise scope of the allegations being investigated has not been fully disclosed publicly.
Being identified as a suspect does not establish criminal guilt, and no conviction has been reported in connection with the investigation.
SOAB Findings Add Pressure
Trona's announcement comes shortly after Finance Minister Charles Cooper submitted SOAB audit reports to Curaçao Parliament.
The reports contain findings concerning the administration of tax advances, refunds and collection procedures at the Tax Collector's Office.
One audit identified approximately XCG 11,464 in tax refund advances issued to Trona without the required ministerial authorization, according to the auditors. The amount was subsequently repaid in March 2024.
SOAB also identified shortcomings in internal controls and administrative procedures that could allow unauthorized transactions or unequal treatment of taxpayers.
Trona has challenged the manner in which the audits were conducted, arguing that his suspension prevented him from accessing the administrative systems and documents necessary to respond fully to the findings.
Through his attorney, he has maintained that he acted in good faith and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
SOAB, however, has indicated that opportunities were provided for Trona to respond to the audit findings.
The disagreement over whether Trona received an adequate opportunity to defend himself remains an important part of the broader controversy.
Trona Continues to Challenge Silvania
In recent public statements, Trona has also accused Silvania of interfering in tax-related decisions involving lottery operator Rifero.
He alleged that the former minister disregarded professional advice concerning disputed tax liabilities involving approximately XCG 3.2 billion.
Those accusations have not been independently established, and the amount cited by Trona has not been verified as an actual financial loss to the government.
His latest warning suggests that the dispute between the two men could become more extensive if prosecutors decide to bring the criminal investigation before a court.
For now, the next significant development is expected to be Trona's reported appearance before investigators next week.
The decision on whether to prosecute, continue investigating or dismiss the case rests with the competent prosecutorial authorities, not with Trona or the former minister.
Until such a decision is announced, the allegations against both men remain matters requiring careful examination, supported by documentary evidence and the applicable legal procedures.