PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Justice, Mr. N. Tackling, paid a visit to the Sint Maarten Police Station in Philipsburg today to officially acknowledge and extend well wishes to five police officers who will be traveling to the United States for specialized training.
The officers will depart this Sunday to Miami Dade College, where they will participate in the School Resource Officer Training Program alongside officers from other Dutch Caribbean islands. This program is designed to equip them with the necessary skills to support and engage with schools, students, and the wider community, ensuring a safer learning environment for the youth of Sint Maarten.
During the visit, both Minister Tackling and Chief of Police, Mr. C. John, expressed their appreciation for the officers' dedication to professional development. They reminded the group of the importance of this training, emphasizing that their role will go beyond enforcement to include mentorship and guidance in local schools.
KPSM remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with educational institutions and ensuring that officers are well-prepared to support youth-related initiatives.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has successfully apprehended two individuals involved in an ATM skimming operation on the island. The suspects, both Bulgarian nationals identified by their initials N.Z.V and G.N.S, were caught installing skimming devices on an ATM machine.
In the early hours of Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Police Central Dispatch received a report of two male individuals placing skimming instruments on an ATM located on L.B. Scott Road. Additional information indicated that the suspects were driving a small white vehicle and heading toward A.J.C. Brouwers Road.
Multiple police patrols were immediately dispatched to the area, where officers successfully intercepted the vehicle in question. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered several instruments commonly used for skimming activities. The suspects were promptly arrested and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation.
During interrogation, it was revealed that one of the suspects had previously been arrested and convicted in Sint Maarten for a similar offense. He had been banned from the island but managed to return via the French side.
A subsequent search of the suspect's rented residence, conducted in cooperation with the French authorities, led to the discovery and confiscation of a large quantity of skimming cards and additional skimming equipment.
Both suspects remain in police custody as the investigation continues. The Sint Maarten Police Force urges financial institutions and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to ATM usage.
Safety Tips for ATM Users
To minimize the risk of falling victim to ATM fraud, the Sint Maarten Police Force advises the public to follow these safety precautions:

• Inspect the ATM: Check for any unusual devices attached to the card slot or keypad before using an ATM.
• Cover the Keypad: Always shield the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent hidden cameras from capturing your information.
• Use Secure ATMs: Preferably use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: If you notice suspicious individuals near an ATM, do not proceed with your transaction and report the situation to the authorities.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that an ATM has been tampered with, notify the bank and the police immediately.

KPSM Press Release.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten and Curaçao are undergoing a historic transition: the introduction of the Caribbean guilder. With this change, the current Netherlands Antillean guilder will be replaced by the Caribbean guilder. While this development marks a significant milestone for the financial landscape of Sint Maarten and Curaçao, this transition also brings considerable financial (crime) risks. The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS and the Financial Intelligence Unit Sint Maarten (FIU) emphasize the importance of vigilance and cooperation to prevent misuse during this transition period.
Transition periods from an old currency to a new one can be vulnerable to money laundering and financial crime. It is important that all service providers under the supervision of CBCS and FIU are aware of the risks of misuse of this opportunity. Service providers are advised to further strengthen their AML/CFT/CFP framework. This means closely monitoring clients’ transaction patterns. The introduction of the Caribbean guilder may present certain risks and challenges, including:
- Suspicious deposits: depositing cash without a clear source or purpose;
- Fraud in currency exchange: converting illegally obtained funds in the old currency into the new currency, creating the appearance that the old currency was legally obtained;
- Purchasing luxury goods with cash: such as real estate, jewelry, and vehicles;
- Buying casino chips with illegally obtained old currency and exchanging them for new currency after minimal or no play.
Criminals aim to go unnoticed and remain anonymous. Service providers must therefore be on the alert and, considering various money laundering techniques, implement appropriate preventive measures tailored to their business operations (products, services, client base, distribution channels).
It is crucial that supervised institutions remain vigilant and report unusual transactions to the FIU in a timely manner to protect the integrity of the financial system and ensure a smooth transition to the Caribbean guilder.

~Body Cam Rollout to Begin on Bonaire, with Statia and Saba to Follow~

Oranjestad, St. Eustatius:--- The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) recently delivered a presentation to the Statia Government on the use of camera surveillance as a tool to support enforcement and improve public safety across the island.

The meeting was attended by Island Governor Alida Francis, Commissioner of Infrastructure Reuben Merkman, Island Secretary Malvern Dijkshoorn, members of the Governor’s Cabinet Rient Hassel and Naomi Roberts, and KPCN representatives Mr. Melvin Sint Jago, Chief Inspector and Head of the Information and Expertise Department; Mr. Andre de Graaf, Intelligence Specialist with the Intelligence Unit; and Mr. Robelto Hodge, Chief of Basic Police Service St. Eustatius.

During the presentation, KPCN outlined its plan for the introduction of body-worn cameras (body cams) for law enforcement in the Caribbean Netherlands. The rollout will begin on Bonaire, with St. Eustatius and Saba to follow in the next stages.

As part of the session, KPCN shared the results of a recent pilot in Bonaire where cameras were used during two major events: Día di Rincon and the Bonaire Regatta. The pilot was deemed a success, with noticeable improvements in enforcement efficiency and overall public safety during these large-scale events.

Island Governor Alida Francis welcomed the presentation and the broader vision being pursued, stating:
“In the interest of public order and mainly security and safety, it is important to introduce camera surveillance on St. Eustatius. Camera surveillance is an important instrument to support enforcement by the local government. A proposed ordinance is currently being worked on that will require the support of the Island Council.”

The Statia Government will continue working closely with KPCN to support the responsible introduction of enforcement tools that contribute to a safer, more secure community.