Criminal case involving former Sint Maarten Minister Christophe Emmanuel officially “Jasmine” investigation.
https://sxmgovernment.com/christophe-emmanuel-broke-as-a-joke-angry-at-st-maarten-sint-maarten/
This probe encompasses multiple allegations of corruption, bribery, fraud, and abuse of office linked to Emmanuel’s tenure from December 2016 to January 2018.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) initiated the investigation in 2023, leading to multiple arrests and the indictment of Emmanuel and four co-defendants in February 2025 .
Christophe Emmanuel, a former Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) in Sint Maarten, faces multiple criminal charges stemming from his tenure between December 2016 and January 2018.
The Public Prosecution Service indicted Emmanuel and four co-defendants in February 2025 as part of the “Jasmine” investigation. The charges include bribery, corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Emmanuel accepted a NAf. 23,500 bribe from businessman J.M.B., whose company was awarded the controversial flagpole project near the Bell’s lookout point.
Additionally, Emmanuel, along with his former chief of staff M.A.R. and her partner J.E.B., allegedly defrauded the government of substantial sums.
B.’s infrastructure company, co-owned with R., received four public tenders for projects such as bridge repairs, road maintenance, and work at a basketball court. B. and R. face separate money laundering charges related to these projects .
In May 2023, investigators raided Emmanuel’s home and workplace, as well as the residences of other suspects. The searches were part of a broader investigation into project tenders and issued permits, focusing on abuse of position, fraud, forgery, and bribery .
Emmanuel has denied the allegations, describing the legal actions as politically motivated attacks aimed at silencing his opposition. He criticized the treatment of his family during the searches, particularly an incident involving his cousin, which he deemed abusive .
The court proceedings are ongoing. Defense attorneys have requested additional investigations, including the testimony of over ten witnesses, some of whom are senior civil servants and former high-ranking politicians. The judge is expected to rule on these requests in March 2025 .
This case underscores the challenges of governance and accountability in small democracies.
https://sxmnews.ai/from-bid-rigging-to-land-stealing-story-of-christopher-emmanuels-crash-out/
The outcome of Emmanuel’s trial may have significant implications for public trust in Sint Maarten’s political institutions.
