PHILIPSBURG–The National Detectives searched two office buildings in Philipsburg and three houses on Tuesday as part an investigation dubbed “Seabass.”
This investigation targeted government’s Head of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the man M.D. He is suspected of abusing his position in awarding public ICT tenders.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, various projects were awarded to D. himself and/or companies owned by his relatives. He is also suspected of having laundered the money gained by these actions.
Several other persons and legal entities are also identified as suspects, said the Prosecutor’s Office in a press release on Tuesday.
Authorities made a “precautionary seizure” of several items, which included sums of money and a plot of land. When asked whether D. has been arrested, the Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment.
The National Detectives will proceed with this investigation in the coming months, said the Prosecutor’s Office.
“The National Detectives have pursued this investigation because the actions of the accused undermine the integrity of the public administration and the civil service.
“Administrative responsibilities and business interests are intertwined. This can be at the expense of the quantity, quality and price of products supplied to the government. Furthermore, this has not benefited the citizens of St. Maarten and disturbs the level playing field for the business community,” according to the press release.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/92589-houses-and-offices-searched-in-abuse-of-position-investigation-2
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