Prosecutor office closes case against De Meza and wife after settlement payment

ORANJESTAD – The Public Prosecutor’s Office has officially announced that the criminal case against M.E. de Meza and his wife has been closed after both accepted and paid a settlement. The payment prevents further criminal prosecution and brings the case to a definitive end.

De Meza and his wife were suspected of violating Aruba’s General Tax Ordinance. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2021, they allegedly submitted incorrect or incomplete information on several occasions in their income tax declarations.

The first meeting with the prosecutor, known as a TOM hearing, took place on June 10, 2026. During that hearing, prosecutors offered both suspects the opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution by paying a financial settlement, based on the prosecution’s position that the alleged offenses could be proven.

At that time, the offer was not accepted. Both were subsequently summoned to appear before the Court of First Instance on August 24, 2026.

At the suspects’ request, however, a second meeting with the prosecutor took place on August 7. During that meeting, the Public Prosecutor’s Office set a lower settlement amount, taking into account what it described as the specific circumstances of the case and of the individuals involved.

The new offer was accepted, and payment was made on August 11, 2026.

According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the settlement payment means the case is now definitively closed. On August 12, the prosecutor withdrew both court summonses.

The announcement formally ends a case that had attracted considerable public attention, particularly because of Mike de Meza’s political position. With the summonses withdrawn, there will be no criminal trial before the Court in this matter.