Curaçao Gaming Authority Investigated by Public Prosecution Service
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) is now the subject of an investigation by the Public Prosecution Service, NEXT.io has learned. The development marks one of the most serious governance challenges to date for the regulator responsible for overhauling the island’s offshore gambling framework.
Formal Confirmation From Supervisory Board
A formal letter dated 27 November 2025, written by Cft chairperson Lidewijde Ongering and seen by NEXT.io, indicates that prosecutors have initiated an official probe into the CGA. In the letter, Ongering stated:
“Cft understands that the Public Prosecution Service is conducting an investigation into the CGA. The CGA is responsible for implementing the LOK. The Cft is closely monitoring developments and will discuss these matters with the relevant officials.”
Although the CGA has not yet been formally approached by prosecutors, the confirmation aligns with persistent rumours circulating among island officials, who had anticipated an investigation for several months.
Local newspaper Antilliaans Dagblad reported that the Criminal Investigation Cooperation Team (RMT) has been assigned to the case, bringing together investigators from Curaçao, neighbouring islands, and the Netherlands.
Integrity Concerns Resurface
The Cft letter further stressed the importance of safeguarding public trust:
“Integrity within the government and government entities is an essential component of sound financial management and therefore a priority for the Cft.
Recent media reports on potential integrity concerns within the CGA and the Tax Collector underscore the need for further clarity on this matter.”
The investigation follows a turbulent period in which responsibility for gambling regulation shifted from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice. The change occurred after former finance minister Javier Silvania resigned in October amid a corruption scandal.
Background
The CGA is currently responsible for implementing the LOK – Curaçao’s long-awaited legislative overhaul aimed at modernising and cleaning up one of the world’s most prominent offshore gaming jurisdictions.
However, internal tensions have repeatedly disrupted the reform process. Silvania reportedly sought to dismiss several civil servants but failed to secure backing from fellow ministers, including Tax Receiver’s Office head Alfonso Trona. The dispute escalated after a leaked audio recording surfaced, capturing both men threatening to expose each other for alleged corruption.
These issues have added public pressure on the government to demonstrate that the reform of the gambling sector is being carried out with transparency and integrity.
Not the First Integrity Allegation
The CGA and related institutions have faced scrutiny before. Last year, opposition politician and academic Dr. Luigi Faneyte submitted a detailed 400 page report levelling serious accusations at Silvania and other senior officials involved in drafting and implementing the new regulatory framework.
The latest investigation intensifies uncertainty around Curaçao’s efforts to transition from its historically permissive offshore licensing regime to a modernised, internationally compliant regulatory system.