Curaçao Tax Chief Under Investigation for Corruption

Major Corruption Scandal Rocks Curaçao's Tax Department

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Curaçao has launched a formal investigation into Alfonso Trona, the head of the island's tax department, following revelations of systematic corruption and preferential treatment for influential taxpayers. The investigation comes after leaked audit reports from the Stichting Overheidsaccountants Bureau (SOAB) exposed years of irregular tax practices that have cost the Caribbean island millions in lost revenue.

Secret 'Drawer' System Revealed

According to confidential SOAB documents obtained by NOS, Trona maintained what auditors called a "secret drawer" system where he personally handled tax files of politicians, senior officials, and business executives outside normal procedures. This system allowed him to grant preferential tax arrangements without proper documentation or legal basis.

"There were cases where Trona personally signed installment agreements for millions in tax debt without collateral or interest, stretching repayment over decades," said a source familiar with the audits who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Widespread Public Outrage

The scandal has triggered massive public anger across Curaçao, with citizens expressing their fury on social media platforms. "The public discussion shows how deeply trust in the government is under pressure," noted Dick Drayer, Caribbean correspondent on Curaçao. "While the Public Prosecutor's investigation must focus on the facts, a second battle is playing out online over public perception."

On Facebook and WhatsApp, hundreds of citizens are demanding clarity and expressing anger over what they see as a power struggle at the expense of the country. Many describe the situation as "a system of cronyism" and "a minister who wants to play judge himself."

Oversight Bodies Sound Alarm

The College financieel toezicht (Cft), the financial oversight body established by the Netherlands, has repeatedly expressed concerns about the problems at Curaçao's tax department. "There is a high amount of outstanding tax and premium debts. That worries the Cft," the institution stated in response to questions.

Despite an improvement plan being ready since April 2025 to reorganize the tax department, the Cft remains uncertain about actual progress. "To date, despite repeated reminders, no progress information has been shared," the oversight body noted.

Political Fallout and Resignations

The scandal has already claimed political casualties. Former Finance Minister Javier Silvania resigned following the controversy, which was partly triggered by leaked audio recordings of his heated exchange with Trona. In the recordings, both men accused each other of corruption, with Trona reportedly threatening to expose evidence from his "drawer."

New Finance Minister Charles Cooper confirmed the investigation to NOS but stated he didn't know when it began. Demissionary State Secretary Van Marum for Kingdom Relations emphasized the importance of public trust, stating: "This trust is at stake due to reports about the practices at the Receiver's office."

Structural Governance Problems

The audits reveal deep structural problems in Curaçao's tax collection system. Trona reportedly bypassed internal control departments and made decisions based on oral instructions, WhatsApp messages, and personal interventions. One notable case involved Florida Express N.V., where Trona personally signed an installment agreement for a €2.2 million debt with no collateral or interest, stretching repayment over 30 years.

The SOAB reports document approximately 10 million guilders in questionable arrangements, with auditors describing Trona's actions as "in violation of laws and regulations." While the exact financial damage remains unknown, estimates suggest tens of millions of euros in lost tax revenue for the island nation.

Trona, who remains in his position as head of the Landsontvanger (tax department), is taking a 3-4 week vacation starting Monday, stating he needs "to rest from this whole affair." The investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office continues as the scandal threatens to further undermine public confidence in Curaçao's government institutions.