Oranjestad – Defense lawyer Mr. Carlo has challenged the validity of evidence presented by the Public Prosecutor regarding the ongoing case against 22-year-old E.G., who faces charges of drug trafficking and weapon possession. The alleged offenses occurred between May 2025 and November 2025.
During the proceedings at the Court of Justice, Mr. Carlo argued that the prosecution’s investigation relies on a non-existent device. The defense stated that an independent verification of the IMEI number listed in police reports revealed that the number is not registered in any global system. Consequently, the defense contended that data such as intercepted messages and photographs attributed to the defendant originated from a “ghost apparatus.”
Furthermore, the defense questioned the methods used by the RST to obtain information. Mr. Carlo accused the agency of utilizing an IMSI-catcher, a surveillance technology used to intercept communications. The lawyer asserted that while this technology is permitted in the Netherlands, its use in Aruba is prohibited without specific written authorization from the competent Minister or the Department of Telecommunications (DTZ). It was argued that approval from a DTZ employee is insufficient under current laws.
The defense also noted that a search of the defendant’s residence yielded no drugs or weapons and claimed that the Prosecutor failed to provide requested permits for the house entry. Following the arguments, the judge did not immediately rule on the admissibility of the prosecution. Instead, the case was postponed to June 8, 2026. The court has ordered the prosecution to provide clarity and verify the validity of the IMEI number in question.
