Dutch beef up St. Maarten prosecutor, customs offices

Minister Plasterk of Kingdom Affairs is intervening in St. Maarten.  This is after a report done by auditor PwC, examining the integrity within the government of St. Maarten. Minister Plasterk announced this morning that the Public Prosecution is being strengthened to tackle white collar crime and the border control is being taken over by the Netherlands. Plasterk called the situation on the island "shocking". The additional manpower of the Public Prosecution will focus on corruption in the government and politics. An integrity supervisor will also be able to do independent investigations and serve as a contact to (for example) whistle-blowers. The Netherlands is sending additional military police to strengthen the borders and to help fight against drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Plasterk also intervened in Aruba earlier this year.