Curaçao: CGA Denies Investigation Rumors

In Curaçao, the gaming regulator CGA denies reports of a prosecutor’s investigation and is requesting clarifications from the Ministry of Justice. The new finance minister has accused the financial oversight body Cft of spreading unverified rumors.

Cft Warning and Government Response

The government of Curaçao has formally warned the Committee for Financial Supervision (Cft) that its public statements about the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) could cause financial and reputational damage to the country. In a letter dated December 1, Finance Minister Charles Cooper emphasized that CGA operates in an international sector where trust and legal certainty are critical, and that irresponsible statements could threaten key revenue sources.

Risks for Operators and Investors

Cooper noted that implying CGA is under a criminal investigation without fact-checking could unsettle operators and investors who contribute significantly to Curaçao’s budget. The minister described the timing and publication of these rumors as “ironic and highly undesirable”, given that Cft itself monitors the country’s financial stability and revenue projections.

Source of Information and Official Procedures

The minister also questioned the origin of the information on which Cft relied. If it came from the Public Prosecutor or the RST, Cft should have immediately sought clarification before going public. If the information was obtained from media reports or other unofficial sources, Cooper stressed that Cft should have ignored it rather than “promote rumors as fact”.

Division of Authority and Competence

Cooper emphasized that matters involving alleged criminal investigations fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the courts, not Cft. Public officials are not authorized to discuss such matters administratively or officially with Cft or any external institution.

Violation of Boundaries Between Oversight and Jurisdiction

The government concluded that the incident represents a serious breach of boundaries between financial oversight and criminal jurisdiction. Cooper urged Cft to refrain from publicly discussing integrity issues or criminal allegations unless it falls within their mandate and has been properly coordinated with the government.

Official Notification and Scope of Response

The letter was copied to the Governor of Curaçao, the President of Parliament, the Council of Ministers, and the State Secretary for BZK, highlighting the seriousness of the government’s response.

Implications for Financial Stability

The Finance Minister of Curaçao highlighted the importance of respecting authority boundaries and handling unverified information carefully to maintain the country’s financial stability.