The Financial Supervision Board (Cft) of Curaçao withdrew text from its report suggesting a criminal investigation exists. This text referenced the island’s gambling regulator being under investigation. On Wednesday (3 December), the Cft changed its letter, removing the controversial passage entirely. The passage had claimed an ongoing criminal investigation into the Curaçao Gaming Authority. Previously included text read: “Cft understands that the Public Prosecution Service is conducting an investigation into the CGA. The CGA is responsible for implementing the LOK. The CFT is closely monitoring developments and will discuss these matters with the relevant officials.”

Criticism from CGA and the government about including investigation references prompted Cft’s withdrawal decision. Finance Minister Charles Cooper raised questions about the information source behind these claims. RST police unit or Public Prosecution Service should officially confirm such matters, he argued. Media reports locally had identified RST as the investigation leaders. Cooper stated that criminal investigations fall outside CFT’s mandate completely. Probes should be mentioned only following consultation with government officials.

CFT Acknowledges Error in Public Communications

A letter to Cooper from Dr L.M.C. Ongering, CFT chair, was obtained by NEXT.io. It read: “The Cft thanks you for this clarity. Upon further reflection, we agree with you that it would have been better if the CFT had referred in its public letters only to investigations confirmed by official channels. We will ensure that this remains the case in the future.” However, Cft maintains that matters belong within its supervisory framework scope. These matters affect public finances and the quality of financial management significantly.

Cedric Pietersz, managing director of CGA, responded to the text removal. His statement: “The removal of these assertions in their entirety confirms what has been clear from the outset: the claims had no foundation in fact and should never have been issued in an official context.” Pietersz also welcomed the move to set the record straight. “We’re glad the CFT decided to correct the information. The public deserves to hear the facts, not rumours. This kind of transparency keeps people’s trust in regulators and the institutions they oversee.”