WILLEMSTAD – The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) of Curaçao has released its 2024 Annual Report, describing the past year as both challenging and productive, with significant progress made in the fight against serious crime, organized criminal networks, and tax fraud.
The report highlights several high-profile cases that captured public attention in 2024, including:
The investigation into the disappearance and death of Mike Venema,
The fatal home invasion that claimed the life of a Royal Netherlands Marechaussee officer,
And the major drug trafficking case “Crow,” involving smuggling through Curaçao’s harbor.
“These cases underscore the importance of a strong and coordinated approach to crime,” the Public Prosecutor stated.
Surge in Criminal Cases
In 2024, the OM registered 906 suspects, an increase from 815 in 2023. These were categorized as follows:
333 for criminal offenses
324 for common crimes
160 for six-hour detention cases
33 for juvenile offenses
42 traffic-related cases
11 military-related offenses
3 general violations
The report noted a decrease in registered drug-related offenses. In 2024, 96 individuals were registered for drug trafficking or possession, compared to 160 in 2023. However, the OM cautioned that this apparent decline may be misleading due to delays in updating the registration system to reflect new drug legislation, limiting the reliability of the data.
Firearm Crimes and Countermeasures
A total of 111 individuals were registered for firearm possession or smuggling last year. In response, the OM worked closely with the Curaçao Action Center for Undermining to raise public awareness, develop policy measures, and lay the groundwork for a planned 2025 gun amnesty program.
The OM has also urged lawmakers to increase sentencing for firearm offenses, citing illegal gun possession as a growing threat to public safety.
Targeted efforts were made throughout the year to address this issue, including specialized court sessions and coordinated traffic stops in the first and last quarters of 2024 focused on uncovering illegal firearms.
Commitment to Collaboration and Community Engagement
While the OM continues its firm stance against crime, it is also investing in restorative justice, improved cooperation with partners, and better communication with the community.
"The combination of legal enforcement and preventive measures remains critical to safeguarding Curaçao’s security and justice system," the report concludes.
