Investigations

Areas of Focus

Introduction

VDSM stands for national security by timely recognizing internal and external threats that are not directly visible. VDSM investigates individuals and organizations whose activities give serious reason to suspect that they intend to harm national security. This includes undermining our democratic legal order, the integrity of public administration, and our vital interests (such as, for example, shutting down or hacking our water and electricity company, telecom companies, port, and/or airport).

By national security, we mean the protection of national security interests against threats that can harm these interests and thus cause societal disruption.

Therefore, VDSM has identified several areas of focus, which are briefly explained below.

Unwanted Foreign Interference

We talk about unwanted foreign interference when other countries actively, usually secretly, interfere with the affairs of Sint Maarten. Our political, economic, and societal system can be undermined in this way. Examples of this can be sabotage of our vital interests or influence on our political and social system.

Cyber Threat

Cyber threats and/or attacks have become an increasingly important area of focus for VDSM in recent years, particularly where cyber threats or attacks on our vital interests are concerned. We investigate, together with our chain partners, whether these activities may be directed or carried out with the knowledge of another country.

Extremism & Terrorism

Furthermore, VDSM tries to gain insight into extremist individuals and/or groups active in Sint Maarten. Extremism is the willingness, for ideological reasons, to engage in activities that can undermine the democratic legal order, whether or not through violence. Examples include systematic incitement or spreading fear among the population, the deliberate spread of disinformation and/or the rejection of legislation and regulations. But also, the use of violence for ideological reasons.

Extremism leads to terrorism when societal disruptive damage is caused and/or large groups of people are terrorized. Another form of terrorism that has our attention is terrorism financing, which often goes hand in hand with money laundering.

Undermining the Democratic Rule of Law by Criminal Networks

VDSM has the task of protecting national security. As part of this task, the service investigates networks capable of undermining the democratic legal order. An example of undermining is the infiltration and use and bribery of individuals in crucial positions within the government and/or companies in vital sectors to influence the rule of law in Sint Maarten.