💳 ATM skimming causes worry in Suriname

and government clarifies renewed foreign policy with banquet

De Brief
February 23, 2026

A suspected skimming case was reported at an ATM on Sir Winston Churchillweg after it was discovered that suspicious devices were present while withdrawing cash on February 17, 2026.
People noticed a hidden camera mounted behind the ATM light after entering his PIN and removed the device before reporting the incident to the Livorno police.
Police launched an immediate on-site investigation and found a magnetic skimming device connected to two cameras, which were confiscated.
Skimming involves illegally copying debit card data using devices such as magnetic stripe readers and hidden cameras to capture PIN codes.
Criminals may also use fake keypads or devices attached to the card slot or cash dispenser to intercept cards or money.
The investigation into the ATM incident is ongoing as authorities work to identify those responsible.
Due to recent discoveries of hidden cameras at multiple ATMs in Suriname, citizens are taking creative precautions to shield their PINs while withdrawing cash.
Authorities advise the public to avoid suspicious ATMs, call police at 115 if irregularities occur, and remain alert to anyone standing too close during transactions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS) hosted its first networking reception to strengthen cooperation between government, diplomats, businesses, and international partners.
The event, attended by Jennifer Simons and Minister Melvin Bouva, emphasized partnerships as essential for sustainable development.
Bouva highlighted economic diplomacy as central to foreign policy, noting that more than fifteen agreements and MOUs have been signed since July 2025.
Suriname is expanding bilateral business cooperation with countries including Guyana, the Netherlands, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Ghana, and Barbados.
In 2026, Suriname will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with more than twenty partner countries, reinforcing its international engagement.
French Ambassador Nicolas de Bouillane de Lacoste praised Suriname’s commitment to international law and the rule of law, while Gail Meyer underscored the role of honorary consuls in strengthening ties.
President Simons announced measures to structure the gold sector, boost investment in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, youth entrepreneurship, and strengthen the oil and gas sector through international partnerships.
The reception is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to ensure foreign policy delivers concrete economic results, investments, and measurable benefits for Suriname’s development and regional role within CARICOM.

Assembly Member Asis Gajadien is calling for clarification and possible adjustment of the judiciary’s remuneration system amid public debate.
Although he co-initiated the law, he stresses it was a collective parliamentary responsibility and should be evaluated and improved where necessary.
The original principle of the remuneration structure was to ensure an independent, expert, and financially stable judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
Recent discussions suggest allowances may have been calculated based on total current salary (including increments) rather than only the basic salary for each job category, possibly deviating from the law’s original intent.
Gajadien says this interpretation could create unintended cumulative effects and requires legal clarification and administrative coordination.
He proposes adjusting annual increments over time, starting with 5% in early years of service and gradually reducing to 1% for long-serving officials to prevent disproportionate salary growth.
While defending adequate judicial pay, he emphasizes that teachers, nurses, police officers, and other professionals also deserve structural income improvements.
Gajadien calls for open dialogue between parliament, government, and the judiciary to create a legally sound, financially sustainable, and socially balanced remuneration system.