Today, several search and enforcement actions were carried out as part of a criminal investigation into money laundering, tax fraud, customs fraud, forgery, and illegal employment.
The investigation, named Saffraan, is led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and executed by the RST (Joint Criminal Investigation Team), in close cooperation with the Aruba Police Force, the National Detective Agency, FIOT (Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Team), Customs, and the Human Trafficking/Smuggling Unit (UMM).
During this morning’s operations, three stores, an administrative office, and a suspect’s residence were searched. Various documents, digital data carriers, and financial records were seized. Authorities also confiscated property and financial assets belonging to a suspect.
So far, one person has been arrested.
Investigation Saffraan was launched after several financial investigation partners indicated that they had detected signs of possible criminal activities involving the company and/or its director. Subsequent findings raised the suspicion that the company is facilitating illegal employment and—through falsified administration—evading taxes and import duties.
The investigation is ongoing. For this reason, no information will be released about the identity of the arrested individual or the company involved. The Public Prosecutor’s Office does not rule out additional arrests as the investigation continues.
The Public Prosecutor emphasizes that money laundering is one of the key pillars of undermining criminality. Because recognizing and detecting money laundering can be complex, it is vital that information is shared correctly and that an integrated approach is taken. The Public Prosecutor’s Office works closely with its partners to effectively combat money laundering.