ORANJESTAD - Minister Glenbert Croes (MEP) was arrested this morning on suspicion of fraud involving residency permits. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed his arrest but has not yet provided further details. 

Earlier this summer, the national investigative agency conducted searches at several addresses linked to individuals in Croes' close circle and his Ministry of Integration, Labor, and Energy. Several arrests were made at that time, but Croes stated he was not a suspect. 

Following his arrest today, authorities also searched the minister’s residence. Croes is currently in custody under restricted conditions, meaning he is only allowed to have contact with his lawyer. 

Earlier this year, the Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation under the name Portulaca into the illegal trade of residency and work permits aimed at helping employers attract foreign labor. The alleged activities occurred between 2020 and 2022. 

Glenbert Croes is a prominent figure in Aruba’s ruling MEP party, having held various political roles over a long career. He served as a minister from 1994 to 2001, a Member of Parliament from 2013 to 2017, and has been a minister since November 2017. His arrest deals a blow to the image of MEP leader and Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes, who has championed government integrity. The timing is particularly sensitive, with elections scheduled for December 6. 

Croes is the second high-profile MEP figure to be implicated in fraud during his tenure. Former Plenipotentiary Minister Guillfred Besaril is currently awaiting trial on charges of financial mismanagement at the Arubahuis in The Hague. 

Prime Minister Wever-Croes Responds: 

"The Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the arrest of my colleague, Minister Glenbert Croes, in connection with an ongoing investigation. As previously stated, when a minister is suspected of wrongdoing, they must immediately resign in accordance with Article 17 of the Ministerial Integrity Law. We are currently awaiting Minister Croes' resignation letter. This is a heavy blow for our government, and we extend our support to Glenbert Croes, his family, and his supporters. Both Wever-Croes 1 and 2 cabinets have upheld the flag of integrity, and we will continue to do so in this situation.”