PHILIPSBURG:--- Investigators questioned a total of 17 persons in the Octopus investigation. Of the amount seven of them that are already incarcerated at the Pointe Blanche prison for other crimes they committed. Spokesman for the Attorney General Office Norman Serphos said that on Monday JR, JC, KW and OG were questioned, while on Tuesday LW, DW and KM were being questioned, the latter 7 suspects are all males that are currently serving time at the Pointe Blanche prison for prior crimes they committed. Serphos said the prisoners were transported from Pointe Blanche prison to where the investigators are located to be questioned. In the meantime the four suspects whose pretrial detention were extended remains in custody. They are MP Silvio Matser, Eddie Fleming, Rogelio Koieman and a suspect identified as W.B.
In accordance with the penal law of Sint Maarten/Netherlands Antilles, the prosecution should present the 4 detained suspects no later than Friday before a judge of instruction for the continuation of the custodial measures (vrijheidsbenemende maatregelen). The office of the attorney general will say if and when this decision is taken by the public prosecutor's office on St. Maarten.
17 persons questioned in Octopus investigation --- 7 of which are already in prison.
