Curaçao’s Minister of Finance Charles Cooper has reportedly come to the defence of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) after conflicting reports surfaced claiming the regulator was allegedly under investigation by the Public Prosecutor. The regulator also categorically denied these reports, stating that “it has not been approached by the Public Prosecutor and is not aware of any investigation.”
The claims initially spread following a letter from the Financial Supervision Board (Cft), sent to Cooper on 27 November, which mentioned an investigation into the CGA. However, according to the Curaçao Chronicle, Cooper criticised the letter as “incorrect, unfounded, and extraordinarily careless.”
The Cft letter stated: “The Cft requests your continued attention to integrity in the collective sector because it has received signals that this topic is being discussed by the CGA and the Tax Collector.
“Integrity within the government and government entities is an essential component of sound financial management and therefore a point of attention for the Cft. The recent media reports about possible integrity concerns within the CGA and the Tax Collector underscore the need for more clarity on this matter.”
The letter continued: “The Cft understands that the Public Prosecution Service is conducting an investigation into the CGA.
“The CGA is responsible for implementing the LOK (National Gambling Ordinance). The Cft is closely monitoring developments and will discuss this with the relevant officials.”
Integrity within the government and public institutions is a vital component of effective financial management and, therefore, a key area of focus for the Cft. Recent media reports about possible integrity concerns within the CGA and the Tax Office highlight the need for greater clarity on this matter.
The Cft understands that the Public Prosecutor is conducting an investigation into the CGA.
The CGA is responsible for implementing the LOK (National Gambling Ordinance). The Cft is closely monitoring developments and intends to discuss the matter with the relevant officials,” the Cft letter stated.
Although the Minister of Finance has dismissed these claims, the information that has surfaced is still unwelcome for the CGA, which is trying to stabilise its operations under a new governmental department.
Cooper recently replaced Javier Silvania, who had overseen the sector until his resignation in mid-October. Silvania resigned in October amid allegations of misconduct, corruption, fraud, embezzlement and money laundering related to the issuance of online gambling licences, following a report filed by forensic investigator Luigi Faneyte. After Silvania’s resignation, responsibility for the CGA was transferred from the Minister of Finance to the Minister of Justice, Shalten Hato.
Hato immediately focused on implementing the LOK and improving the efficiency of gambling regulation in the market. He reformed the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process, which had previously been criticised for a potential “industry-centric bias embedded in the complaints-handling system.” The changes have largely eliminated concerns and closed potential loopholes in the ADR process. Hato prohibited ADR providers from having any affiliate or B2B relationships with operators. In addition, ADR officials are banned from offering any B2B services to Curaçao operators.
Independent lawyers must now participate in the ADR process. To ensure neutrality and prevent bias, conflicts of interest are prohibited, and the CGA has the authority to remove any ADR body at any time.
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