Another suspect held in Curacao over gold heist

While another suspect was yesterday arrested in Curacao in connection with the US$11.5 million gold heist from a Guyana-registered cargo ship almost two months ago, sources yesterday revealed that the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) report compiled by its officers will not be presented to the public.

“The report is done and given to the Minister but it is not for the public so whatever is said will have to come from the minister” an official from the GGMC told Stabroek News yesterday.

Several efforts to contact Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud proved futile. Calls to his mobile phone were met with a voice recording.

The source stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment will now use the report, on the investigative work performed by its two officers who visited Curacao, for its own edification and to share with local police to plan on the next move.

Meanwhile Curacao police spokesperson Reggie Huggins told Stabroek News yesterday that a businessman was added to the list of arrestees. He is currently in the lock ups, and will remain there while investigations are ongoing to ascertain his role in the heist. The 51-year-old man whose initials are G.A.R .P was arrested at his home and searches were conducted both at his residence and his business place. At the latter Huggins informed “a whole lot of cash was found.”

The six other persons, with initials