Searches on Bonaire and the Netherlands in connection with investigation of money laundering

In the month of February 2016, under the authority of the Public Prosecutor BES, a criminal investigation, in respect of money laundering, was initiated against two persons, with the initials J. A. the B. and B. G. B., living on Bonaire. The investigation also focuses on some suspicious legal entities established in Bonaire, in the Netherlands and Bulgaria. The investigation called “Thorbes” is performed by the Combined Team of the Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) and the Police (National Investigation Service) from the Netherlands. For this purpose the Dutch officials are sworn in by the acting police chief KPCN. The combined team will get significant support of the Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, , RST and the Royal Military Police (KMAR) in this investigation.   The research, that has been going on, since February 2016, showed that the defendants are possibly guilty of laundering (criminal) money. The house searches take place in order to gather more information and to ultimately assess whether there is sufficient evidence of money laundering.   The research team performs several search warrants on Bonaire. The searches are done in both residential and commercial properties. At the same time that the raids started on Bonaire, two raids on a home and a business took place in the Netherlands.   A key objective of the study is to take away illegally obtained profits. Therefore, it will be seized on as many assets. This may include money, property and other valuables.   The Public Prosecutor  believes that the BES islands and Bonaire in particular are at risk to be attractive for forms of financial crime such as money laundering. For this reason some time ago they have  already invested in the cooperation between local enforcement agencies, specialized services such as the Combi Team and the Public Prosecutor. This cooperation not only leads to joint investigations as the now ongoing investigation. By sharing information on suspicious financial structures and signs of money laundering with each other, it becomes more clear who could make himself  guilty of these types of crime. The services thus gain more insight into what is happening financially. This not only provides the basis for any new criminal investigations, but also leads to consultations with other government departments on how the financial integrity can be promoted on the islands. The Public Prosecutor  is strongly in favor of such a joint approach and conducts regular consultations including the Tax Office and the Financial Intelligence Unit, the public service where unusual transactions should be reported and investigated.”   The Public Prosecutor and investigation services with increasing frequency require the assistance of the public in tackling crime and thus in promoting safety on the islands. Tips from citizens are not only welcome when it comes to crime, as for example thefts and possession of weapons, but also when it comes to financial crime such as money laundering. People who want to give tips on money laundering and suspicious transactions, can do this on the tip line: 717 7251.