Former Minister Besaril loses Supreme Court appeal and must serve prison sentence

ORANJESTAD - On June 13, 2025, the Court of First Instance delivered its judgment in the criminal case against Guilfred.F .Besaril, the former Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba in The Hague. The case, known as Tulipan, concerned the embezzlement of public funds at the Aruba House. Besaril was found guilty of embezzlement by a public official and abuse of office, and was sentenced to 20 months in prison, of which 10 months are suspended, with a probation period of three years.

As is customary, Besaril had two weeks after his conviction to file an appeal. Because the appeal was submitted too late, the Joint Court of Justice declared it inadmissible in October 2025. The Supreme Court has now upheld that decision.

The rulings are therefore final and irrevocable. Besaril must serve his prison sentence and repay Afl. 138,688 under a confiscation order.