WILLEMSTAD – On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Joint Investigation Team (Recherche Samenwerkingsteam, RST), under the supervision of an investigating judge, carried out searches at the businesses Lunapark and Hardware House, as well as at a private residence in Curaçao.
The searches are part of a criminal investigation codenamed “Java”. The investigation centers on a 44-year-old man identified as W.S.C., who was arrested on December 8 on suspicion of involvement in underground banking and money laundering. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests or additional searches, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Underground banking involves moving money across borders outside the regular and legal banking system, allowing financial flows to remain hidden from law enforcement and judicial authorities. This system is frequently used by criminal networks operating internationally.
Criminal investigation “Java” is being conducted by the RST under the authority of the Central Team of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, as well as Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The Central Team focuses on combating corruption and organized crime that undermines public institutions.
In cooperation with the RST, the Central Team regularly investigates complex criminal cases with a financial and economic dimension. These cases may involve politically exposed persons (PEPs), civil servants, state-owned companies, facilitators, or organizations within the public sector.