Leoncita Arends left the Korrektie Instituut Aruba (KIA) on Thursday morning, November 12, after just over three months in prison, so that she can receive chemotherapy, 24ora reported on November 13.
According to the report, Arends has been diagnosed with cancer and needs to begin chemotherapy. Her release allows her to receive the treatment, which, according to the information received by 24ora, cannot be given while she is incarcerated.
Arends had surrendered at KIA on August 10 to serve the unconditional part of her sentence in the Avestruz case. The Joint Court of Justice sentenced her to 24 months in prison, of which 12 months are conditional, with a probation period of three years; time spent in pre-trial detention is deducted from the unconditional part.
The conviction became final on April 14, 2026, when the Supreme Court rejected her cassation appeal. The court found Arends guilty of participating in fraud and of active bribery of a public official. The case concerned the granting of option and leasehold (erfpacht) rights on government land at Wayaca.
Source: 24ora (November 13, 2026)
