PHILIPSBURG:---  The Council of Appeal in Civil Service Matters of Sint Maarten has affirmed the dismissal of the former director of the Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post (BTP). The decision, issued on March 4, 2026, confirms that the director (Anthony Carty) was justifiably terminated for serious dereliction of duty, specifically for failing to report secondary employment and engaging in conflicting commercial activities.

The case centered on the director's involvement with private companies that had financial ties to BTP, the government organization he led. The director, appointed in November 2012 after serving in an acting capacity since April 2010, was a co-founder and shareholder in a company that, in turn, held a 35% stake in a second company. This second company, referred to as 'bedrijf 3' in the court documents, secured a contract with BTP in March 2012 to manage the country's number plan for an annual fee of USD 90,000.

According to the verdict, the director, in his official capacity, signed two extensions of this contract in 2015 and 2018.

The Council of Appeal found that the director violated articles 52, 53, and 54 of the Landsverordening materieel ambtenarenrecht (Lma), the national ordinance on civil service law. The court determined that the director committed serious misconduct by not formally disclosing his shareholdings and secondary activities as required by law. The director's claim of having verbally informed the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) was not substantiated with evidence and did not absolve him of his legal obligation to provide written notification.

The court highlighted the direct conflict of interest, noting that the director was involved in renewing contracts that financially benefited a company in which he held an indirect financial interest. The court stated that the director should not have participated in the conclusion and extension of these agreements, which involved payments from the government to the private entity.

The director’s assertion that he had distanced himself from the company in 2014 was deemed not credible by the court, as the official transfer of his shares did not occur until mid-2020. The verdict also referenced related criminal court rulings against the director's business partner, which established that dividends were paid out from the company starting in 2014. The Council of Appeal found it implausible that the director, holding an identical stake, would not have also received such payments.

Ultimately, the Council concluded that the director's actions were incompatible with his high-ranking public position and that he failed to act as a proper civil servant. The court ruled that the disciplinary sanction of dismissal was a proportional response to the gravity of the misconduct. The appeal was denied, and the original court's decision to uphold the dismissal was confirmed.

Click here for the official verdict.

PHILIPSBURG:--- After an extensive and ongoing investigation, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested a suspect believed to be involved in a violent home invasion robbery that occurred in the Beacon Hill area on December 2, 2024.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, detectives from the Special Unit Robberies arrested a male suspect with the initials L.A.H., 51 years old, for his alleged involvement in the incident. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation conducted by the specialized robbery investigation team.

During the home invasion in December 2024, the victim was shot and seriously injured, and the victim’s dog was also shot by the suspect or suspects involved. The violent nature of this crime caused significant concern within the community and prompted an intensive investigation by KPSM detectives.

The suspect L.A.H. is currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody for further questioning as the investigation continues. Detectives are still working to determine whether additional suspects were involved in the robbery.

KPSM wishes to make it absolutely clear to those who engage in serious criminal acts that time does not provide protection from justice. Investigations remain active for as long as necessary, and KPSM personnel remain committed to identifying, locating, and arresting those responsible for violent crimes in our community.

KPSM continues to encourage members of the public who may have information related to this case or other criminal activities to come forward and assist law enforcement.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 542-2222, or anonymously through the KPSM Tip Line at 9300.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a continued effort to strengthen crisis preparedness, operational leadership, and regional cooperation within the Dutch Caribbean, the Police Force of Sint Maarten has successfully completed an intensive Staff and Crisis Management (SGBO) training program. The week-long training, held from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Philipsburg Police Station, was delivered by expert instructors from the Netherlands Police Academy (Nederlandse Politie Academie – NPA).

This training forms part of a broader strategic development project under the framework of the College van Korpschefs, which aims to enhance crisis management structures, harmonise operational procedures, and strengthen cooperation among the police forces of the Dutch Caribbean. The initiative underscores the shared responsibility of the regional police organizations to collectively improve preparedness and response capabilities in the face of complex and large-scale incidents.

The SGBO (Staf Grootschalige en Bijzonder Optreden) program was specifically designed to equip crisis managers within the Police Force of Sint Maarten with advanced operational knowledge and practical skills required to effectively coordinate and manage both planned and unplanned crisis situations. The training focused on strengthening command structures, improving interdepartmental communication, refining decision-making processes, and reinforcing structured crisis coordination models.

A selected group of crisis managers participated in the intensive program, which combined theoretical instruction, realistic crisis simulations, and structured strategic debriefings. The training was facilitated by four experienced NPA trainers: Jeroen Rosendaal, Michiel Bitter, Harald Braat, and Perry Jobse. Through this comprehensive approach, participants further enhanced their competencies in crisis preparedness, operational coordination, and leadership under high-pressure circumstances.

By participating in this regional project, the Police Force of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment not only to strengthening its internal crisis structures but also to contributing actively to a unified and resilient Dutch Caribbean policing framework. Investing in leadership and crisis management capacity ensures that the force remains prepared to safeguard public order and safety at the highest professional standard.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends its sincere appreciation to the Netherlands Police Academy, the College van Korpschefs, and all participating officers for their dedication and collaboration throughout the training week. Continued partnership and knowledge exchange remain essential pillars in advancing policing standards across the region.

 SAINT MARTIN:--- The U.S. Marshals Service is at the center of a significant investigation following the alleged theft of nearly $25 million in cryptocurrency from wallets under its control. The case has raised serious questions about the security and oversight of digital assets seized by the government, especially after reports surfaced suggesting a potential insider connection involving the son of a federal subcontractor.

This developing story involves a government contractor, a blockchain sleuth, and a brazen display of wealth on social media that may have unraveled the entire scheme. We will explore the key players, the timeline of events, and the broader implications for how the U.S. government manages its growing crypto holdings.

The Allegations: An Insider's Betrayal?

The controversy began when approximately $24.9 million worth of cryptocurrency vanished from digital wallets managed by the U.S. Marshals Service. While hacks are not uncommon in the crypto space, this incident drew immediate scrutiny due to the sensitive nature of the assets—funds seized during federal law enforcement operations.

The situation escalated when prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT, known for unmasking crypto-related wrongdoing, published findings pointing to a man named John Daghita. According to ZachXBT's research, Daghita had inadvertently revealed his control over the stolen funds during a dispute on the messaging app Telegram. In an attempt to prove his wealth, Daghita allegedly shared his screen, displaying a crypto wallet containing millions of dollars that were later traced back to the government's compromised wallets.

The most troubling aspect of the allegation is Daghita's family connection. He is reportedly the son of Dean Daghita, the CEO of Command Services and Support (CMDSS), a Virginia-based firm. This connection immediately suggested that the theft may have been an inside job.

CMDSS and the Government Contract

In 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service awarded a $4 million contract to CMDSS. The firm's role was to assist the agency, which serves as the primary custodian for the U.S. Bitcoin Reserve, with the management and sale of certain types of seized cryptocurrencies. This responsibility would have likely given CMDSS personnel, and potentially their close associates, access to or knowledge of the private keys and security protocols for government-controlled crypto wallets.

The contract awarded to CMDSS was not without controversy from the start. Competing firms challenged the decision, claiming CMDSS lacked the necessary credentials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to the company's employment of a former U.S. Marshals Service staffer. However, the Government Accountability Office reviewed the complaints and ultimately concluded that the contract was not improperly awarded.

Following the theft allegations, both CMDSS and the U.S. Marshals Service have faced renewed pressure. The public affairs chief for the Marshals Service confirmed that an investigation is underway but has provided few additional details, leaving questions about whether the agency is still working with CMDSS.

ZachXBT's Role in Uncovering the Trail

The breakthrough in the case came from the meticulous work of blockchain investigator ZachXBT. By analyzing public blockchain data, he traced the flow of the stolen funds. The investigation gained significant traction after Daghita, who reportedly uses the online alias "Lick," was recorded boasting about his crypto holdings in a Telegram group.

During the recorded exchange, Daghita allegedly displayed a wallet holding millions in crypto assets. ZachXBT captured this evidence and cross-referenced the wallet addresses with the funds stolen from the government. The analysis revealed a direct link, connecting at least a portion of the funds Daghita controlled to the $24.9 million theft from the Marshals Service. ZachXBT’s findings, which he reported to authorities, provided a critical lead in an otherwise complex case.

Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

The digital trail eventually led to physical consequences. On March 5, 2026, news broke that John Daghita had been arrested by the FBI in connection with the theft, with his detention taking place on the island of St. Martin. This international arrest underscores the investigation's magnitude and reach. While specific charges have not yet been made public, the arrest marks a major development in the high-profile case.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely working to recover the stolen assets and determine the full extent of the security breach. The central question remains: how did the perpetrator gain access to the government's wallets? Investigators will need to determine whether an insider provided direct access to private keys or whether a vulnerability in the subcontractor's security procedures was exploited.

Implications for Government Crypto Oversight

This incident highlights the immense challenges government agencies face when managing seized digital assets. Unlike traditional assets like cash or property, cryptocurrencies require sophisticated technical expertise to secure. Private keys, the digital equivalent of a password and a signature, must be protected at all costs. If a key is compromised, the funds can be moved instantly and irreversibly.

The alleged involvement of a subcontractor’s relative raises critical concerns about vetting processes and third-party risk management. As federal agencies seize larger amounts of cryptocurrency from criminal enterprises, the need for robust, multi-layered security protocols becomes paramount. This case will likely serve as a catalyst for a thorough review of how government bodies secure their digital asset holdings and manage relationships with external contractors. The outcome could shape federal policy on crypto custody for years to come.