Minister Hato reports significant increase in money laundering cases

WILLEMSTAD – The number of money laundering cases on the island has emerged significantly, according to figures presented by Justice Minister Shalten Hato during a parliamentary meeting yesterday. The minister revealed that in 2023, 26 individuals were prosecuted for money laundering, up from just 15 four years earlier. Additionally, the number of money laundering cases linked to drug trafficking, which resulted in prosecutions, reached 163 last year, compared to 125 cases in 2020.

During the session, parliament addressed new legislation aimed at combating professional money laundering. Independent Member of Parliament Zita JesusLeito also inquired about statistics related to other types of crime. Regarding tax evasion cases, Hato noted that the Public Prosecution Service has identified various forms of tax evasion occurring on a large scale in its 2023 report. These include systemic errors in filing tax returns for income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, and payroll tax.

The rising statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the government in tackling financial crimes and the broader implications for the island’s economy and security.