NETHERLANDS: --- Two subsidiaries of the Dutch construction giant VolkerWessels are set to appear before a judge next week regarding a major corruption scandal in Sint Maarten. The companies are accused of paying nearly €1 million in bribes to a government minister to secure a contract for a bridge construction project.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) alleges the bribery occurred around 2013. The project involved building a causeway connecting the airport in Sint Maarten to the French side of the island. According to reports, Volker Construction International submitted two bids for the project. Initially, the proposal was rejected for being too expensive and aesthetically displeasing. However, months later, the government reversed its decision and accepted the same bid, sparking rumors and eventually triggering an investigation in 2015.
Key Witness Breaks the Case Open
In a rare move in a financial fraud case, the prosecution relies heavily on testimony from a "crown witness." While such witnesses are typically associated with organized crime or liquidation cases, this individual plays a pivotal role in the proceedings.
The witness was reportedly a central suspect who allegedly directed the payments to the minister. Instead of facing the charges alone, they chose to cooperate with authorities, providing detailed accounts of how the payments were structured and executed. This testimony accelerated the investigation, enabling the Justice Department to build a comprehensive case against the construction firm’s subsidiaries.
High-Profile Convictions and Potential Penalties
The recipient of the alleged bribes, former Sint Maarten minister Theo Heiliger, has already faced justice. In 2020, he was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the scheme.
Now, the legal focus shifts to the corporate entities involved. The trial, taking place in Zwolle, Netherlands, puts the subsidiaries and a former administrator in the spotlight. While companies cannot be jailed, they face significant financial repercussions. The prosecution is pursuing a separate procedure to confiscate the profits made from the bridge project. Meanwhile, the former administrator involved faces a potential prison sentence, with the maximum penalty for bribery of an official set at 6 years.
Company Denies Wrongdoing
Despite the minister's prior conviction and the state witness's detailed testimony, VolkerWessels maintains its innocence. When approached for comment regarding the impact on the parent company, representatives declined to elaborate but stated they do not agree with the conclusions drawn by the Public Prosecution Service based on the facts presented.
The court hearings are scheduled for the coming weeks, with a ruling expected by February.
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