SEABASS Investigation results in House Searches…
The National Detectives carried out searches at 5 different locations Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 as part of an extensive investigation that is currently in progress. Two office buildings in Philipsburg and three houses were searched. The charges in this investigation are focused on, among other things, the Head of ICT for Country Sint Maarten, whose initials are M.D. M.D. is suspected of abuse of his position when awarding public ICT tenders.
It is alleged that various projects were awarded to the suspect and/or companies owned by the suspect’s relatives. M.D. is also suspected of having laundered unlawful proceeds. In the investigation, several persons and legal entities were identified as suspects. A precautionary seizure was also made of, among other things, sums of money and a plot of land. The National Detectives will continue with this investigation over the coming months.
The National Detectives have pursued this investigation, because of the actions of the accused which undermine the integrity of the public administration and the civil service. Administrative responsibilities and business interests are intertwined. This can be at the expense of the quantity, quality and price of products supplied to the government. Furthermore, this has not benefited the citizens of Sint Maarten and disturbs the level playing field for the business community.
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