WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has formally requested clarification from the government after media reports suggested that the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) is conducting an investigation into the regulator. In a letter addressed to Minister of Justice Shalten Hato, the CGA states that it has not received any notification of such an investigation and that the report came as an “unexpected and negative surprise.”
The media article referenced a letter from the College financieel toezicht (Cft) to Minister of Finance Charles Cooper, in which the Cft noted that it had “understood that an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office is ongoing into the CGA.” The gaming regulator describes this reference as highly concerning, particularly because it is unaware of any such inquiry.
CGA Calls for Explanation from Government
The CGA stresses in its letter that clarity is essential to safeguard trust in both the authority’s integrity and the broader gaming sector. It therefore asks the Minister of Justice—together with Minister Cooper—to seek immediate clarification from the Cft on the meaning and source of the statement included in the Cft’s November 27 letter.
According to the CGA, ambiguity surrounding the suggestion of an investigation could undermine the institution’s ability to perform its statutory duties and negatively impact Curaçao’s international reputation at a crucial moment, as the country transitions to a new regulatory framework under the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK).
Concern Over Reputational Impact
The authority notes that references to unconfirmed investigations—especially in public or widely circulated documents—can cause significant reputational harm. To prevent this, the CGA requests swift clarity and expresses its readiness to discuss the matter directly with the minister.
Letter Shared with Minister Cooper
The correspondence is signed by CGA directors C. Pietersz and Giasah S. Hollander and has also been provided to Minister of Finance Charles Cooper.
The CGA concludes by reaffirming its commitment to cooperate fully with all lawful supervisory or investigative processes but emphasizes that transparency regarding such matters is essential to maintaining confidence in Curaçao’s gaming oversight.