In a long-term investigation called SEABASS, the National Detectives investigates irregularities in the procurement of ICT projects in recent years. This investigation focuses on the Head of ICT for Country Sint Maarten, M.D. M.D. is suspected of abuse of his position in awarding
public ICT tenders and of laundering the illegal proceeds. In the investigation several persons and legal entities have been identified as suspects. In addition, amounts of money and a plot of land were seized. As part of this investigation, J.L. was arrested this week by the National
Detectives. More arrests are not excluded.
The National Detectives have continued this investigation, because the actions of the accused undermine the integrity of the public administration and the civil service. Administrative responsibilities and business interests are intertwined. This can be at the expense of the quantity, quality and price of the products delivered to the government. Moreover, this does
not benefit the citizens of St. Maarten and disturbs the level playing field for the business community.