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Monday, January 23, 2006
Surname's Minister of Trade and Industry, Siegfried Gilds, has resigned after being accused of involvement in money laundering and participating in a criminal organization.
In the previous government from 2000-2005, Gilds held the position of Minister of Justice and Police. He has strongly supported anti-money laundering activities and championed anti-money laundering laws, which were passed in September 2002 by parliament.
The former official says he has resigned in order not to hinder the investigation. He is formally being accused of having facilitated investments in Suriname of a relative. This relative was prosecuted in the Netherlands for drug trafficking, participating in a criminal organization and money laundering and recently convicted.
Meanwhile labor minister Clifford Marica has been appointed to take charge of the ministry of Trade and Industry until a new minister has been sworn in.
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