WILLEMSTAD – Former Member of Parliament Michelangelo Martines, founder of the political party Kòrsou Esun Miho (KEM), faces a possible eight-year prison sentence after the Public Prosecutor’s Office accused him of playing a “leading role in international drug trafficking” and money laundering. 

Martines entered Parliament in March 2021 after securing enough votes with KEM to cross the electoral threshold. However, in November 2024, he was arrested as part of the “Bleda” investigation into large-scale drug trafficking. The case against him is partly built on intercepted chat messages obtained from Sky, an encrypted communication service often used in criminal networks. 

The prosecution noted that some of the alleged crimes occurred between 2019 and 2023, a period that overlaps with his time as a sitting MP. 

Previous conviction and Second Chance project 

Martines had previously been convicted on drug-related charges. After serving his sentence, he founded the employment agency Second Chance, an initiative aimed at helping ex-prisoners reintegrate into society by finding work. The current charges, however, cast doubt on his commitment to rehabilitation and reform. 

Following his arrest, Martines was placed in pre-trial detention and replaced in Parliament by veteran politician Anthony Godett. In the most recent elections earlier this year, KEM failed to reach the electoral threshold, effectively ending its representation in the legislature. 

Martines denies charges 

Martines has denied all accusations, calling the case against him a “political prosecution.” His defense lawyer is expected to respond to the charges today. 

The court will decide in the coming months whether to follow the prosecutor’s demand for an eight-year prison term.