Aruba’s Former Minister Sentenced for Bribery and Embezzlement

A Major Blow to Corruption in Aruba’s Government

In a highly publicized case, the Court of First Instance in Aruba has sentenced former Minister of Infrastructure O.B.S. to a partial suspended prison sentence for bribery and embezzlement.

The Sentence

The 12-month sentence includes six months suspended, with a three-year probationary period. Additionally, the court ruled that S. will be deprived of the right to vote and hold office for five years.

The Reasons Behind the Sentence

The judge’s decision was prompted by evidence that S. accepted bribes and used his political foundation for personal financial gain, severely undermining public confidence in politicians. The court also considered the potential damage to Aruba’s reputation and the possibility that the disclosure of the bribe could deter investors from doing business with the island nation.

P.T.A.S., a former DOW official, received a two-year sentence, with one year suspended, for actively bribing the former secretary and money laundering. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $1.3 million seized from a bank in Curaçao, which was derived from active bribery.
Four other defendants - M.L.A., C.R.M., E.R.W., and N.D.N. - were sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for defrauding the State of Aruba. Twelve months of their sentence were suspended, with a three-year probationary period during which they are not allowed to obtain options on inheritance leases under any name. Each defendant was also fined AWG 25,000.
H., another suspect, received an 80-hour community service sentence and a fine of AWG 15,000 for bribing the former minister.

Acquittals

Five other suspects were acquitted in the case.

Conclusion

The sentences handed down by the court are seen as a major blow to corruption in Aruba’s government and a step towards restoring public trust.