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Major Dutch Construction Firm Faces Corruption Charges Over Sint Maarten Bridge
Dutch prosecutors have demanded a €525,000 fine against two subsidiaries of construction giant VolkerWessels in a high-profile bribery case involving the 2013 Causeway Bridge project in Sint Maarten. The case centers on allegations that the Netherlands' second-largest construction company secured the lucrative contract by paying hundreds of thousands of euros to former Sint Maarten Minister Theo Heyliger through a middleman.
The Bridge That Sparked a Scandal
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway Bridge, a 700-meter structure connecting Cole Bay and Simpson Bay districts, was completed in 2013 to provide vital access to Princess Juliana International Airport. According to prosecutors, VolkerWessels' subsidiaries Volker Construction International and Volker Stevin Caribbean won the contract after their initial proposal was rejected, only to be unexpectedly selected months later following alleged payments to Heyliger, who served as Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure at the time.
The case has revealed shocking details about how corruption allegedly operated on the Caribbean island. A Dutch consultant who has been cooperating with prosecutors since 2019 as a crown witness described delivering cash payments to Heyliger wrapped in newspapers in parking lots. 'There is only one boss on the island,' the witness reportedly told investigators about Heyliger's influence, adding that 'if the former minister wasn't paid, VolkerWessels wouldn't get any new contracts.'
Wider Corruption Investigation
This case is part of the broader 'Larimar' investigation that has uncovered systemic corruption in Sint Maarten's public procurement processes. Heyliger was convicted in 2020 for accepting nearly $4 million in bribes related to various public works projects and sentenced to five years in prison. Prosecutors are now seeking to hold the Dutch companies accountable for their alleged role in the corruption scheme.
A former director of the VolkerWessels subsidiaries faces a separate €17,500 fine, though prosecutors reduced the total fines by 12.5% due to the lengthy duration of the case and because the director allegedly received no personal financial benefit from the scheme. Both subsidiaries involved are no longer active operations.
Company Response and Industry Impact
VolkerWessels, which ranks as the second-largest construction company in the Netherlands, has declined to comment substantively on the allegations. A company spokesperson stated: 'We will present our side of the story extensively in court on Thursday.' The company has previously claimed the bridge project resulted in financial losses rather than profits.
The case comes at a sensitive time for VolkerWessels, which was partially acquired by Boskalis and HAL in 2025. The construction industry has faced increased scrutiny over corruption in international projects, with this case highlighting how Dutch companies operating abroad must navigate complex regulatory environments.
Legal experts note that if convicted, the companies could face not only substantial fines but also significant reputational damage that could affect future international contracts. The case also raises questions about corporate governance and compliance procedures within major construction firms operating in regions with different corruption risks.
The court hearing is scheduled for Thursday, where VolkerWessels will present its defense. A verdict is expected later this year, potentially setting important precedents for how Dutch companies are held accountable for corruption in overseas projects.
