Trial Day 1 Wawoe Denies Everything “I’m Not the Leader of a Gang”
Wawoe Denies Everything: “I’m Not the Leader of a Gang”
High-Security Trial Begins at Marine Barracks Suffisant
WILLEMSTAD – Urvin “Nuto” Wawoe, a well-known figure in Curaçao, firmly denies that he is the leader of the violent criminal organization No Limit Soldiers (NLS). On the opening day of the Themis megatrial, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) laid out a long list of serious accusations.
But Wawoe maintains a clear position.
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“I’m a rapper, not a gang member,” he told the court.
Courtroom Heavily Guarded
The trial began inside the Suffisant naval base, under intense security. The court took time to go through the indictment. Prosecutors accused Wawoe of involvement in 14 major crimes, ranging from multiple murders to large-scale drug trafficking.
The judge, Paul Waarts, stressed the importance of the case and the scale of the evidence. He said that if Wawoe is indeed the leader of NLS, he may be held responsible for years of organized violence.
Wawoe Speaks Up
Wawoe did not remain silent. He denied any leadership role in the gang.
“NLS is a music label,” he said. “Not a criminal group.”
He also refused to comment on drug-related charges. According to him, fear of retaliation plays a role.
“I have to protect my family and friends,” he added.
Inhumane Detention Conditions?
Wawoe’s lawyer, Laura Versluis, raised concerns about her client’s detention.
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“He’s in near-isolation. No daylight. No reading materials. No TV. Just one shirt.”
She challenged the use of shackles, calling it inhumane. The prosecution acknowledged the harsh conditions but emphasized security takes precedence. However, the court agreed to improve some conditions, allowing books and clothing from family.
A television? That might take more time.
“No Limit General” – A Private Nickname?
During the session, the judge read old social media posts in which Wawoe referred to himself as the “No Limit General.”
Wawoe claimed those messages were personal and from 2018.
“It was sent to a woman. It was private. Not meant for publication.”
He believes he became a scapegoat after the murder of politician Helmin Wiels, saying:
“Since then, people blame me for everything.”
No Ties to Hato Killers, He Says
Wawoe distanced himself from the shooters convicted in the 2014 Hato Airport attack. He insisted that he didn’t know them.
He also claimed he was in jail on Saint Martin when many other incidents happened.
“Back then, I was a petty thief. Not a drug boss,” he told the court.
Themis Trial Timeline and What’s Next
The Themis trial will continue over the next two weeks. The prosecution will present its closing arguments on Thursday, followed by the sentencing request.
Final judgment is expected in September.
What Is Urvin Wawoe Accused Of?
The charges are broad, serious, and violent. Wawoe allegedly led the No Limit Soldiers for over seven years, from 2014 to 2021.
Key Allegations:
- Five assassinations
- Four attempted murders
- Three large cocaine shipments
- Running a criminal organization
- Using encrypted communication
- International drug trafficking
Chronological Timeline of Alleged Crimes
| Year | Charge | Location | Victims |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Facts 2–4 | Curaçao | Juliana, Arnhem, 7 bystanders |
| 2015 | Fact 5 | Saint Martin | Kevin Metura |
| 2016 | Facts 6–8 | Sint Maarten | Gumbs, Omar Jones, Nunes brothers |
| 2017 | Facts 9–10 | Sint Maarten | Browne-Thewet, Severe |
| 2020 | Facts 11–13 | International | Cocaine trafficking (30, 140, 172 kg) |
| 2019–2021 | Fact 14 | International | Drug trade planning |
| 2014–2021 | Fact 1 | Curaçao/NL | Criminal leadership |
Details Per Crime (Fact by Fact)
Fact 1 – Leadership of NLS (2014–2021)
Wawoe allegedly founded, led, and managed No Limit Soldiers. He supposedly coordinated murders, drug trade, and laundering, alongside Quant, Heilligger, and Phillips.
Facts 2–4 – Hato Airport Shooting (2014)
On July 15, 2014:
- Erwin Juliana and Shentley Arnhem were shot dead.
- Seven others were injured.
- Wawoe allegedly ordered the attack and offered money to the shooters.
Fact 5 – Revenge Killing of Kevin Metura (2015)
From prison, Wawoe supposedly ordered the murder of Metura, blaming him for another gang member’s death.
Fact 6 – Attempted Killing of Kimoy Gumbs (2016)
Gumbs, targeted in retaliation, escaped death. The plan allegedly involved a $50,000 payment and marijuana.
Fact 7 – Murder of Omar Jones (2016)
Jones, also behind bars, was accused of murdering Latoya Flanders. Wawoe allegedly passed on his location to have him killed.
Fact 8 – Attempted Killing of the Nunes Brothers (2016)
A failed assassination attempt, ordered through intermediary “Cuchi” Fortune, according to prosecutors.
Fact 9 – Murder of Adrian Browne-Thewet (2017)
Part of another revenge plot, carried out with the help of Wawoe’s associates.
Fact 10 – Attempted Murder of Estevan Severe (2017)
Severe survived the attack that killed Browne-Thewet. Prosecutors say Wawoe also ordered this.
Cocaine Smuggling Charges
Fact 11 – 30 kg Shipment (2020)
Cocaine smuggled from Sint Maarten to France. Wawoe allegedly coordinated the route.
Fact 12 – 140 kg Shipment (2020)
Another transport from Curaçao to Sint Maarten via Jamaica.
Fact 13 – 172 kg Shipment (2020–2021)
A third shipment, also linked to France.
Fact 14 – Drug Trade Preparation (2019–2021)
Wawoe allegedly arranged:
- Encrypted communications
- Drivers and couriers
- Financial transactions
Geographical Breakdown
- Curaçao: Leadership and multiple murders
- Sint Maarten/Saint Martin: Most violence and drug deals
- International: Trafficking through France, Jamaica, and the Netherlands
Crime Types and Victims
| Crime Type | Fact Numbers | Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 | Juliana, Arnhem, Metura, Jones, Browne-Thewet |
| Attempted Murder | 4, 6, 8, 10 | 7 bystanders, Gumbs, Nunes brothers, Severe |
| Drug Trafficking | 11–14 | — |
What’s at Stake?
If convicted, Wawoe faces a lengthy prison sentence. The scale of violence, international drug trade, and alleged leadership role place this case among the most significant in recent Dutch Caribbean legal history.
But Wawoe insists:
“I’m not a killer. I’m a rapper.”
Time will tell if the court believes him.
