WILLEMSTAD – Charles Cooper, Minister of Finance, has filed an official report with the Public Prosecution Service Curaçao over a possible data leak at the Tax Department. In addition, the minister has announced that an external company will be hired to investigate the suspected breach.
Preparations for the investigation have already begun, although Cooper stated that his first priority is to safeguard continuity within the Tax Department before the inquiry formally starts.
Speaking during a meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament, the minister emphasized that all employees and consultants operate strictly under the “need to know” principle. He added that staff and external consultants are required to sign confidentiality agreements as part of standard procedures.
Cooper also addressed speculation surrounding consultant Wim Nijdam, stating that there is currently no evidence that he leaked any information. However, the minister made clear that immediate dismissal would follow if an investigation were to prove otherwise.
“The Parliament will be informed as soon as the investigation officially begins,” Cooper said, adding that transparency toward the legislature will be maintained throughout the process.
Further details about the scope and timing of the external investigation have not yet been disclosed.