PHILIPSBURG:--- In a continued effort to strengthen crisis preparedness, operational leadership, and regional cooperation within the Dutch Caribbean, the Police Force of Sint Maarten has successfully completed an intensive Staff and Crisis Management (SGBO) training program. The week-long training, held from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Philipsburg Police Station, was delivered by expert instructors from the Netherlands Police Academy (Nederlandse Politie Academie – NPA).

This training forms part of a broader strategic development project under the framework of the College van Korpschefs, which aims to enhance crisis management structures, harmonise operational procedures, and strengthen cooperation among the police forces of the Dutch Caribbean. The initiative underscores the shared responsibility of the regional police organizations to collectively improve preparedness and response capabilities in the face of complex and large-scale incidents.

The SGBO (Staf Grootschalige en Bijzonder Optreden) program was specifically designed to equip crisis managers within the Police Force of Sint Maarten with advanced operational knowledge and practical skills required to effectively coordinate and manage both planned and unplanned crisis situations. The training focused on strengthening command structures, improving interdepartmental communication, refining decision-making processes, and reinforcing structured crisis coordination models.

A selected group of crisis managers participated in the intensive program, which combined theoretical instruction, realistic crisis simulations, and structured strategic debriefings. The training was facilitated by four experienced NPA trainers: Jeroen Rosendaal, Michiel Bitter, Harald Braat, and Perry Jobse. Through this comprehensive approach, participants further enhanced their competencies in crisis preparedness, operational coordination, and leadership under high-pressure circumstances.

By participating in this regional project, the Police Force of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment not only to strengthening its internal crisis structures but also to contributing actively to a unified and resilient Dutch Caribbean policing framework. Investing in leadership and crisis management capacity ensures that the force remains prepared to safeguard public order and safety at the highest professional standard.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends its sincere appreciation to the Netherlands Police Academy, the College van Korpschefs, and all participating officers for their dedication and collaboration throughout the training week. Continued partnership and knowledge exchange remain essential pillars in advancing policing standards across the region.

 SAINT MARTIN:--- The U.S. Marshals Service is at the center of a significant investigation following the alleged theft of nearly $25 million in cryptocurrency from wallets under its control. The case has raised serious questions about the security and oversight of digital assets seized by the government, especially after reports surfaced suggesting a potential insider connection involving the son of a federal subcontractor.

This developing story involves a government contractor, a blockchain sleuth, and a brazen display of wealth on social media that may have unraveled the entire scheme. We will explore the key players, the timeline of events, and the broader implications for how the U.S. government manages its growing crypto holdings.

The Allegations: An Insider's Betrayal?

The controversy began when approximately $24.9 million worth of cryptocurrency vanished from digital wallets managed by the U.S. Marshals Service. While hacks are not uncommon in the crypto space, this incident drew immediate scrutiny due to the sensitive nature of the assets—funds seized during federal law enforcement operations.

The situation escalated when prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT, known for unmasking crypto-related wrongdoing, published findings pointing to a man named John Daghita. According to ZachXBT's research, Daghita had inadvertently revealed his control over the stolen funds during a dispute on the messaging app Telegram. In an attempt to prove his wealth, Daghita allegedly shared his screen, displaying a crypto wallet containing millions of dollars that were later traced back to the government's compromised wallets.

The most troubling aspect of the allegation is Daghita's family connection. He is reportedly the son of Dean Daghita, the CEO of Command Services and Support (CMDSS), a Virginia-based firm. This connection immediately suggested that the theft may have been an inside job.

CMDSS and the Government Contract

In 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service awarded a $4 million contract to CMDSS. The firm's role was to assist the agency, which serves as the primary custodian for the U.S. Bitcoin Reserve, with the management and sale of certain types of seized cryptocurrencies. This responsibility would have likely given CMDSS personnel, and potentially their close associates, access to or knowledge of the private keys and security protocols for government-controlled crypto wallets.

The contract awarded to CMDSS was not without controversy from the start. Competing firms challenged the decision, claiming CMDSS lacked the necessary credentials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to the company's employment of a former U.S. Marshals Service staffer. However, the Government Accountability Office reviewed the complaints and ultimately concluded that the contract was not improperly awarded.

Following the theft allegations, both CMDSS and the U.S. Marshals Service have faced renewed pressure. The public affairs chief for the Marshals Service confirmed that an investigation is underway but has provided few additional details, leaving questions about whether the agency is still working with CMDSS.

ZachXBT's Role in Uncovering the Trail

The breakthrough in the case came from the meticulous work of blockchain investigator ZachXBT. By analyzing public blockchain data, he traced the flow of the stolen funds. The investigation gained significant traction after Daghita, who reportedly uses the online alias "Lick," was recorded boasting about his crypto holdings in a Telegram group.

During the recorded exchange, Daghita allegedly displayed a wallet holding millions in crypto assets. ZachXBT captured this evidence and cross-referenced the wallet addresses with the funds stolen from the government. The analysis revealed a direct link, connecting at least a portion of the funds Daghita controlled to the $24.9 million theft from the Marshals Service. ZachXBT’s findings, which he reported to authorities, provided a critical lead in an otherwise complex case.

Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

The digital trail eventually led to physical consequences. On March 5, 2026, news broke that John Daghita had been arrested by the FBI in connection with the theft, with his detention taking place on the island of St. Martin. This international arrest underscores the investigation's magnitude and reach. While specific charges have not yet been made public, the arrest marks a major development in the high-profile case.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely working to recover the stolen assets and determine the full extent of the security breach. The central question remains: how did the perpetrator gain access to the government's wallets? Investigators will need to determine whether an insider provided direct access to private keys or whether a vulnerability in the subcontractor's security procedures was exploited.

Implications for Government Crypto Oversight

This incident highlights the immense challenges government agencies face when managing seized digital assets. Unlike traditional assets like cash or property, cryptocurrencies require sophisticated technical expertise to secure. Private keys, the digital equivalent of a password and a signature, must be protected at all costs. If a key is compromised, the funds can be moved instantly and irreversibly.

The alleged involvement of a subcontractor’s relative raises critical concerns about vetting processes and third-party risk management. As federal agencies seize larger amounts of cryptocurrency from criminal enterprises, the need for robust, multi-layered security protocols becomes paramount. This case will likely serve as a catalyst for a thorough review of how government bodies secure their digital asset holdings and manage relationships with external contractors. The outcome could shape federal policy on crypto custody for years to come.

PHILIPSBURG:--- T

Following our previous communication regarding the video circulating on social media, we would like to provide the following update:

The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been able to examine a Cg 100 banknote with a deviated color shade, similar to the one shown in the video.

The CBCS can confirm that the banknote we received is authentic, despite the slight variation in color.

As a general guideline, members of the public can be confident in the authenticity of a banknote when the security strip displays the moving elements and the other security features are present and functioning as intended.

Check the Caribbean guilder banknote security features on the caribbean‑guilder.com website or in the My Caribbean Guilder app, available for both Android and iOS.

We thank the community for its vigilance and continue to encourage anyone who encounters a banknote with unusual characteristics to contact the CBCS in Curaçao at (599 9) 434 5510 or in Sint Maarten via  (721) 542-3520.

PAPIAMENTU

Siguiendo nos komunikashon anterior tokante e video ku ta sirkulá riba medio sosial, nos ke duna e siguiente update:

Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) a logra eksaminá un biyete di Cg 100 ku un variashon chikí den koló, similar na esun ku ta mustrá den e video.

CBCS por konfirmá ku e biyete ku nos a risibí ta outéntiko, apesar di e variashon chikí den koló.

Komo un guia general, públiko por tin konfiansa den e outentisidat di un biyete ora e di strepi 3D ta mustra moveshon i e otro karakterístikanan di seguridat ta presente i ta funshoná manera mester.

Verifiká e karakterístikanan di seguridat di e biyetenan di florin karibense riba e wèpsait caribbean-guilder.com òf den e èp My Caribbean Guilder, disponibel tantu pa Android komo pa iOS.

Nos ta gradisí e komunidat pa su vigilansia i nos ta sigui enkurashá tur persona ku topa ku un biyete ku karakterístika inusual pa tuma kontakto ku CBCS na Kòrsou na (599 9) 434 5510 òf na Sint Maarten na (721) 542-3520.

PHILIPSBURG:-- As the island prepares for its 55th Carnival anniversary, Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion has officially unveiled a state-of-the-art digital platform, www.sxmcarnival.life, developed and gifted as a personal initiative to the Sint Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and the general public.

The new web application is designed to be the ultimate digital companion for the season, responding directly to years of community feedback. MP Irion collected comments, complaints, and suggestions from locals and tourists alike to engineer a platform that prioritizes clarity, mobile accessibility, and modern convenience.

“This website is my personal gift to our culture and our people,” stated MP Ardwell Irion. “I took in all of the comments, complaints, and recommendations I’ve heard or experienced over the years and tried to implement solutions for all of them. We wanted to build a world-class digital experience that truly honors the spirit of St. Maarten Carnival.”

SCDF's board member in charge of marketing, Mike Granger, said the new site aligns with the digital and modern outreach transformation that SCDF has embarked on. He noted that engagement and interest in St. Maarten Carnival have grown threefold this year, and the foundation was in need of a platform that could seamlessly serve residents and visitors alike.  

Currently, we spend hours answering thousands of emails from residents and people around the world. It was not efficient, not modern, and it kept many doors closed for us. This new site opens the world even more. The site is still being fully populated, we are adding information every day, and it will evolve over time," Granger said.

Feature Highlights
The platform introduces several key features designed to streamline the Carnival experience for every visitor, with continuous updates planned as more information becomes available:

• Find Your Booth: A dedicated directory for the 79 booths within the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. This section will be updated in real time as booth holders and menus are finalized, making it easier than ever to locate your favorite local flavors.

• Join a Troupe: A streamlined section showcasing the various troupes, allowing revelers to browse and find their place on the road.

• Intuitive Schedule & Save to Calendar: A clean, user-friendly calendar that allows users to plan their month and sync their favorite "fetes" directly to their personal phone calendars with a single tap.

• Offline Accessibility: Engineered to function even without a data connection, the app ensures that the schedule and essential info remain available to users in crowded areas where cellular networks are congested.

Empowering the Community: A Free Entrepreneurial Workshop

Beyond the gift of the website itself, MP Irion is launching a personal initiative to empower local brands. To demonstrate how accessible professional technology has become, he will host a free, intimate event for entrepreneurs and brands looking to improve or build their online presence.

During this session, MP Irion will walk attendees through his full development process, from domain registration to final publishing, demonstrating how modern tools can help digitize a vision. This workshop is designed to provide local creators with the roadmap to building their own professional digital footprint.

On behalf of the SCDF, Granger expressed many thanks to MP Irion for the gift that will benefit the Carnival product in general. "MP Irion has been a constant not only in terms of his support for the festival and its stakeholders, but also in terms of advising how we can and should improve the product digitally. We are not used to getting gifts for Carnival, so this was not just a surprise, but truly very appreciated," Granger added.  

The SCDF and MP Irion encourage everyone to visit www.sxmcarnival.life today on their mobile devices or desktops to explore the full schedule of events for the 55th anniversary.

Details regarding registration for the free entrepreneur web development workshop will be shared on MP Ardwell Irion’s official social media channels in the coming days.