Philipsburg:--- The federal detectives arrested five persons on Friday morning that are working at the Brooks Tower Accord Office on A.T Illidge Road. Those detained so far are head of the BTA extension project Evelyn Hodge who also worked for years as the secretary to several Lt. Governors on St. Maarten, Josianne Cannegieter a former executive secretary to former leader of government William Marlin. Cannegieter just recently received a six week contract to work with the BTA team as a helper. The identity of the other three suspects in custody has not been released. However, SMN News has been reliably informed that all suspects in custody are workers of the BTA project team. Earlier SMN News reported that an employee of the BTA team who worked under former Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba is also in custody, that person it is said hails from Suriname.It has been several weeks now rumours have been circulating that workers of the BTA team were selling pre dated stamped application forms for as much as $600. Just two days ago SMN News was contacted by some persons who said they bought their stamped forms from one of the suspects who resides in Madame Estate. Persons whose papers were turned down by the labor department and IND also approached the BTA office for assistance since many of them have been living and working on the island for years. SMN News also learnt that the detectives searched the island labour department and seized all documents related to the BTA extension project.
A press release from press prosecutor Rienk Mud states that the detectives from KPSM, assisted by detectives of the Royal Marechaussee and RST (Recherche Samenwerkingsteam) are conducting an investigation into document fraud with regards to Brooks Tower II.
On Friday, January 21st 2011 seven house searches were carried out at different locations, including the Brooks Tower office at A.T. Illidge Road. The searches took place in the presence of the investigating judge. Documents, money and computers were seized.
Five persons were arrested. They have been placed in custody for questioning.
The team of detectives will continue the investigation.