Former Aruba Minister sentenced for fraud and abuse of power

Former Minister of Spatial Development, Infrastructure, and Environment Otmar Oduber was sentenced Wednesday on charges of fraud and abuse of power. The court handed down a 365-day prison sentence, with 319 days suspended, and a probation period of three years. Given his time already served in pretrial detention, Oduber is not expected to return to prison.

Oduber was also ordered to complete 240 hours of community service. As an additional penalty, he has been barred from holding public office or running for political positions for three years. Last month, Oduber unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Aruban parliament.

The court found Oduber guilty of attempting fraud and abusing his authority as a minister. One of the central findings involved his placement of three "ghost employees" on the government payroll—civil servants who received salaries despite performing no work.

However, Oduber was acquitted of charges related to passive bribery and accepting kickbacks.

In November, another member of the same cabinet, Glenbert Croes, was arrested on suspicion of fraud. His case is still pending in court. Oduber has not publicly commented on the court’s decision.