WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao-based shell companies have emerged as the epicenter of an unprecedented large-scale bribery scandal, involving the funneling of approximately $18 million to officials in Latin America through Willemstad. These startling findings were disclosed in an exposé by Follow the Money.
WILLEMSTAD
– Curaçao-based shell companies have emerged as the epicenter of an unprecedented large-scale bribery scandal, involving the funneling of approximately $18 million to officials in Latin America through Willemstad. These startling findings were disclosed in an exposé by Follow the Money.
The alleged orchestrator behind this complex scheme is Dutch national Lionel Hanst, who purportedly ran a “money laundering service” in Willemstad on behalf of Vitol, the world’s largest oil and gas trader. According to reports, Hanst issued invoices to Vitol for advisory services that were never rendered. Subsequently, he channeled the received funds through his Curaçao bank account, ultimately reaching corrupt officials. These officials allegedly played a pivotal role in securing lucrative contracts for Vitol.
The alleged orchestrator behind this complex scheme is Dutch national Lionel Hanst, who purportedly ran a “money laundering service” in Willemstad on behalf of Vitol, the world’s largest oil and gas trader. According to reports, Hanst issued invoices to Vitol for advisory services that were never rendered. Subsequently, he channeled the received funds through his Curaçao bank account, ultimately reaching corrupt officials. These officials allegedly played a pivotal role in securing lucrative contracts for Vitol.
This is not the first time Lionel Hanst has faced scrutiny in the financial sector in Willemstad. Previously, he drew attention when the Dutch Gambling Authority issued a warning, along with the trust office Carmanco (a subsidiary of Curaçao Trust Management), accusing them of facilitating the online gambling mafia. The revelation that Hanst continued his illicit activities raises concerns about the effectiveness of supervision by the Central Bank, fueling longstanding suspicions about the regulatory oversight on the island.
This is not the first time Lionel Hanst has faced scrutiny in the financial sector in Willemstad. Previously, he drew attention when the Dutch Gambling Authority issued a warning, along with the trust office Carmanco (a subsidiary of Curaçao Trust Management), accusing them of facilitating the online gambling mafia. The revelation that Hanst continued his illicit activities raises concerns about the effectiveness of supervision by the Central Bank, fueling longstanding suspicions about the regulatory oversight on the island.
https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/curacao-implicated-in-multi-million-dollar-bribery-scandal/
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