of them still have not handed in a report with all the details regarding their income and assets (VIV) although the deadline has been set at August 16th, 2026. It made it clear that their failure to comply not only means that they risk damaging their repution but that it also means that they risk being prosecuted. The chairperson of the ACC, Ilse Krenten, and fellow committee member Brian Imambaks made it clear that there is very little room for misinterpretation. “The message is clear. Delay is no longer an option. Do not wait too long. You will have to face the consequences”, said Krenten who referred to Article 9 of the Anti Corruption Act which clearly states that it is mandatory to hand in the report. Article 17 of the same law mentions the consequences for failure to comply. Officials who fail to comply will be sent to prison for a maximum period of four years and they will also be given a fine. The ACC emphasized that handing in the VIV is not an option but a legal obligation.

The deadline was initially set at February 17th but the government decided to grant an extension of six months. Krenten made it clear that more than enough time is being given to officials to obey the law. She also made it clear that the committee lacks the authority to give extensions as the government has the final say on the matter. Despite everything officials still do not seem to understand the seriousness of the matter. Imambaks explained that “it is a simple process”.

“It is simple. You are at the notary for no longer than 15 minutes and then for a few minutes at the ACC. Everything can be taken care of within 15 minutes”, said Imambaks who added that “it is not a matter of complexity but of priority”. Officials who do not know if they are obligated to hand in a VIV are being advised to hand it in just to be on the safe side. “Contact us. We will guide you through it”, said Imambaks. The administrative obligation is aimed at strengthening transparency and integrity within the government. The VIV is aimed at preventing corruption and restoring faith in public officials. The ACC made it clear that “the clock is ticking” and that those who fail to comply can’t argue that they were unaware of the mandatory rule or that they had no time to do it.