Appeals Court Upholds ₡4.1 Million Confiscation from Former Businessman O.A.

The Joint Court of Justice has upheld the confiscation of Cg 4.147.400 in unlawfully obtained gains from former businessman O.A., confirming an earlier ruling by the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten.

The confiscation stems from criminal conduct for which O.A. was previously convicted. In that case, the Court determined he had gained significant financial advantage through unlawful activity and ordered him to repay the funds to the Country of Sint Maarten. With this new appellate decision, that obligation remains fully in effect.

At the time of the ruling, O.A. is serving a prison sentence in Sint Maarten. The Court also reaffirmed that if he fails to pay the full amount, or if the funds cannot be recovered, a three-year substitute detention may be imposed—consistent with the original judgment.

During the appeal, O.A.’s defense argued that the confiscation should be overturned or at least reduced. The appellate proceedings did take longer than the standard reasonable timeframe, but the Joint Court ruled that the delay did not warrant lowering the amount owed. The judges found the confiscation appropriate, proportional, and legally sound.

With the appeal dismissed, the confiscation order is now final, and the full amount—more than four million guilders—remains payable to the Country of Sint Maarten.