Aruba Threat Causes Security Concerns: Impacts Holloway Investigation

If I drank, I'd need one right now. This is either breaking news, or I've been played. This post warrants a qualifier.

The vast majority of my reporting here has been based upon identified sources. I've adhered to that standard in every case, except one. Occasionally, one source has provided me quality information and always remained anonymous.

To date they haven't been wrong, sometimes putting me hours - and once or twice - a day or more ahead of large media. This source has not been responsible for the preponderance of reporting I have done on the Natalee Holloway disappearance. But their contribution has been significant for its content, just the same.

I was contacted today and told I would have a breaking development tonight not directly related to the resolution of this case and that it would break in Aruban media tomorrow. Given this qualifier, I've decided to go ahead and make the post. If I die on the vine, so be it. But at least I have given as full a disclosure as I possibly can.

Reports suggest that over a week ago a letter came into a government office in Aruba postmarked from the United States, it is alleged that the letter threatened the government of Aruba that "If they didn't give Natalee back," an as yet unidentified group behind the letter would take action against the island.

According to a source, those actions included contaminating water and meat imports flowing to the island from the United States. I did verify that the US is the largest importer of those and other products and goods onto the island. I am unclear as to what, if any other threats may have been made at that time.

According to this uncorroborated report, it was this which precipitated Prosecutor Karen Janssen being dispatched to Holland and Dutch investigators taking over on the ground in Aruba.

Additionally, a prosecutor was also dispatched to FBI headquarters in Washington to share information and to work with the FBI. I've been told that this matter was kept extremely secret within a tight circle around the Prime Minister; the Minister of Justice and the Head of the Intelligence Office.

End note: That said, I realize that politics in Aruba are somewhat volatile and there is an election coming soon. It could serve the best interests of some if any seeming change in the approach to the Natalee Hollway investigation were the result of something other than an unacceptable investigation, which focused negative attention on certain political figures right now.

As I am unaware of the political affiliations of my source, I felt it best to add this end note to the post.

This post is also available at Blogger News Network.

Comments

[ExGman]

I know I will get flamed but Im gonna say this anyway. We Americans have way way too much invested in this missing person case. I do not blame the T/H family for doing everything they can to keep the media/public spotlight on their plight. But we have bought into it hook line and sinker.
Granted, it is an unusual and very compelling case, factually and emotionally. But folks lets face it, its one of many many missing teenager cases that have arisen this summer in the islands, abroad and more importantly, AT HOME!!!!!!!
I know Dan has tried to use this case to bring more attention to some of these other cases. But Nancy and Greta, especially, have beaten this case to death. A little news goes a long way, I mean a long long way. Its time to step back from this case. Dan's latest post, which I believe to be largely true, points out just how frenzied and nutty this "missing person" case is. With all else going on in the world, Im sorry, but this case is being covered way way too much, and the reporting is almost, no it is, tabloid. Everyone needs to take a deep breath, continue to pray for the T/H family, and find other outlets for their entertainment/time/and energy. I know I am. This has gotten out of hand. Adios.

[Tanya]

very sad behaviour.

[Kap]

Dan, you're being played. I find this incredibly hard to believe. Of course, there are nutzoids out there, everywhere, I mean look at the main suspect in this case.

Anyhow, if true, they just poison the water and food being sent the Aruban jail Joran is housed in.

[casje12]

Thanks for that, redneck. You might be right about that letter.

We are a bit ignorant about your country. I'm not trying to offend you in any way, but the general idea of the Southern States is shaped by the Jerry Springer Show and other scary stuf in the media such as http://www.fountain.btinternet.co.uk/koresh/

It seems not impossible that one of those militant patriot groups want to attack Aruba. They are even willing to attack their own government, so why not a foreign country?

[casje12]

Dan, you're being played. I find this incredibly hard to believe. Of course, there are nutzoids out there, everywhere, I mean look at the main suspect in this case.

Anyhow, if true, they just poison the water and food being sent the Aruban jail Joran is housed in.

@ Kap

I don't know Kap, but Yoram vd Sloot is still not convicted. Even if everything seems to be clear about his roll in this tragic event, he isn't charged of any crime yet.

There is no dead penalty in the Netherlands, let's keep it that way

[sol rosenberg]

With all of the terror activities occurring all across the world, it is no suprise to Sol that someone has threatened the island of Aruba. I'm not saying it's right - but I'm not suprised.

This all boils down to corruption in the little town of Mayberry (aka Aruba). The PI confirmed that PVDS and Van Der Straaten were good friends. It's also a fact that Straaten worked for PVDS in the early 1990's. If the investigation were handled "by the book" the boys would've been taken into custody immediately and held....

Malcolm X coined the phrase, "By any means necessary." That's where I'm at right now - this is obviously a case that is being painfully dragged out - poisoned from the start by corruption - rediculous. Between the (3) boys and the dad, the answers are within...

I don't think Natalee is even on the island. She was probably buried there at some point, but Daddy is too smart to leave any evidence...he's been around. He probably made SURE that the body was disposed of. He had plenty of time to do it.

What a damn shame.

BHT - we love you - keep the heat on em'.

[John]

Casje,

If just is not brought in this case and Joran and all the others are freed there will be so many books, a movie among other things talking about this case and other things that happen in aruba.

[John]

Casje,

If *justice* is not brought in this case and Joran and all the others are freed there will be so many books, a movie among other things talking about this case and other things that happen in aruba.

[kenny]

oh, please people, and you too, Dan. don't be fooled by this phony claim about USA folks taking steps against Arube. You R being played. Arube has taken a terrible PR licking because of their rampant lies, corruption and inept cronyism. Don't feed the trolls, this is just an attempt to divert all of us and our energies from helping and supporting the Twitty-Holloway family during the Arube created crisis in their lives.

[iremember]

With all else going on in the world, Im sorry, but this case is being covered way way too much, and the reporting is almost, no it is, tabloid. Everyone needs to take a deep breath, continue to pray for the T/H family, and find other outlets for their entertainment/time/and energy. I know I am. This has gotten out of hand. Adios.

Posted by: ExGman | July 29, 2005 08:02 AM

ExG : know what you mean. Whenever I start to feel that way though, I stop and think that this case is as good a place as any to take a stand, to exert whatever pressure an internet forum can exert, and to chat with like minded people about how this kind of case makes us feel. Yes there are so many other cases, and some with no Blogs or Forums or any other type of grass-roots interest, and yes, they all deserve attention and resolution. And yes, there are far more pressing problems in the world than one missing person in Aruba.

But you know what? I got interested in THIS case, and I do not want to turn away from it. I want for once that the forces of corruption (I am talking about the human heart, not politics in aruba) are brought to account, for once a family will get some answers, for once, for GT8ds sake we will have answers instead of being left with questions and the sickening feeling that the liars and creeps won again.

And maybe this internet community thing will actually start translating itself into grass roots political action. It's a better shot for the "ordinary joe or jane" to be heard than we have ever had before in this or any other country.

I want THIS case to be resolved. I am sticking with it.

[pathenry]

Whether the story is true or not, remains to be seen, but it is in print in what appears to be a Curacao newspaper, along with the story that the FBI ruled out that the hair strands on the duct tape was from NH.

[casje12]

@ John

Yes John you're right. All those books and movies about this case will come anyway. They will be published also if Yoran is convicted and NH's body is found.

But writing books and making movies based on true stories is soooo Danielle Steel...
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/steel

[ACB]

Was the letter mailed from Alabama? Sounds like someone sent the letter as a personal threat. I seriously doubt the US government would do something stupid like contaminating meat or water. This threat more than likely originated from a person or group of people trying to take things into their own hands. I'm sure the letter is back in the hands of the FBI and full prosecution of teh individuals involved in the threat will be carried out. The island of Aruba should not be at blame here. We do not have a clue of what is going on behind closed doors becuase any information on the case is being kept quiet.

[Granny Toad]

An individual nutcase? Drugthugs? Seems more likely the latter but one never knows.

So is this what Jug referred to that nobody was talking about?

[_gagal]

An individual nutcase? Drugthugs? Seems more likely the latter but one never knows.

So is this what Jug referred to that nobody was talking about?

Posted by: Granny Toad | July 29, 2005 09:11 AM

Good point. They keep saying when all comes out it will shock the world. This could be the answer.

[John]

ACB,

What we do know is they arrested the wrong people in the beginning of the case.

Everyone had time to collaborate a story (Holiday Inn story) which was nothing but lies.

We know that Joran and Deepak's house was not searched until over a week later. Plenty of time to have cleaning crews as well as covering up anything they needed. (I wonder if there is a way to see if the house was cleaned with any special solvents other than normal cleaning supplies)

We also know that Joran and Deepak claimed to have dropped her off at the HOliday Inn.

Then it was stated she was left on the beach.

[Justice for Natalee]

"What made them think this was a legitimate threat rather than just some kook? They have probably gotten a lot of threats I would think."

Posted by: just_lurking | July 29, 2005 02:12 AM

I was thinking the same thing.

[iremember]

lmfao
listen, please, those who imiagine that the letter, if it exists, could somehow be from any sector of any federal, state, or town governing body in the USA. Are you insane? That will never, ever, happen. If we want to declare war on Aruba, we will find a much more politically acceptable way to do it than threatening the health of ordinary citizens.

please! do not post any more idiocy speculating as to whether the "letter" could be US government based.

Do some of you even have HS diplomas?

[ACB]

No doubt John...the three definitley had plenty of time to dispose of any evidence. This was a major error in the way the Aruba authorities handled the case. We know little facts from what has been leaked to teh media, but what we don't know is what Joran or the brothers have told the authorities other than lies, we don't know if any of them have confessed to anything, we don't know what evidence they have against to keep him in jail, and we don't know the true reason as to why they are searching the pond. I feel there is a lot of information out there that we don't here about because it is kept quiet.

[ACB]

No kidding iremember....I'm sure the letter, if it even exists, probably came from a few angry bloggers from this site wanting information. People on here are so ready to see a body or find out where Natalee is they can't stand it, so they probably sent a threat letter to Aruba.

[bill o skumbag]

It was probanly Island Hopper or one of these bama fanatics that sent the letter.Pathetic.

[John]

ACB,

I think a lot of people on here want to Natalee found or returned. I don't think you should blame this letter on a blogger. This letter could be sent from anyone. By not going to a country is one thing but to go ahead and threaten the water supply and food is inhumane. I want Natalee found and justice in this case but don't agree on terror threats or acts.

No kidding iremember....I'm sure the letter, if it even exists, probably came from a few angry bloggers from this site wanting information. People on here are so ready to see a body or find out where Natalee is they can't stand it, so they probably sent a threat letter to Aruba.

Posted by: ACB | July 29, 2005 09:21 AM

[kell]

I'm starting to wonder if anything we know is true. VS dad claims he never said " not body no case" and it something the media came up with or its a rumor. A lot of things that we are hearing on the news when the Holloways are asked about it they say that they didn't know anything about it. At this point I feel that all we know about the entire case are rumores or false truths that Aruba is using to throw us off.

[Justice for Natalee]

The letter, if it exists, is probably just an idle threat from individuals ticked off about the mishandling of the case.

[kell]

What do you mean by bama fanatics?

[Sly2SmoothieNJnin]

Ya know, it's just like that Dan to post something controversial and then go sneak off to catch some zzzzzz's, he's loves to brew things up in here......
wakey wakey Dan, we have questions for you.....:)

S2S

[ACB]

I feel the same way as you John. I want her to be found as well so the family will get closure. It was just a joke about bloggers sending the letter.

[acadia]

Does anyone really think that they took Natalee to the beach? It doesn't make any sense why he would go to the beach to be with her when he has his own private "apartment" next to his parents house. I believe they went staight from the bar to his apartment. We already know that his dad didn't keep a good watch on Joran... he pretty much did what he wanted to do. I think things got out of hand at his apartment and something bad happened and his dad got involved. What do you think?

[casje12]

I wonder why some people over here in Europe actually are afraid of American citizens planning terrorist actions in Aruba....

http://stream.2003.02.garnierprojects.com/geenstijl/knalluh.wmv

[\\\\CroSSBronXXPress////]

iremember: thank you!!!!!! lol..lol!!!

[casje12]

@ acadia

What about a good old romantic beachwalk in the moonlight?

[King of Controversy (Holland)]

* Is on his way to Aruba*
Do you like the view, mr Kalashnikov?
;)

[ACB]

casje12

Thanks for posting that link. Did anyone catch the kid with the Bush-Cheney shirt on? How classic is that?

I have no idea where those people are from but that is scary to know people have that mnay assault weapons.

You damn sure don't want to piss your neighbors off.

[_gagal]

I wonder why some people over here in Europe actually are afraid of American citizens planning terrorist actions in Aruba....

http://stream.2003.02.garnierprojects.com/geenstijl/knalluh.wmv

Posted by: casje12 | July 29, 2005 09:34 AM

Wonder where these people live? Scary!

[arcadia]

Romantic beach walk? Are you joking? I don't think romance ever crosed his mind. He knew actually what he wanted from her.

[bill o skumbag]

kell

people who are consumed by this case and are on this board or others hours each day.its prob someone from 1 of these boards....

[John]

I asked these questions yesterday but did not get any answers. Can anyone tell me more about how Joran and Natalee met?

I heard it was at the Holiday Inn Casino. Is that true?

Was Deepak with her at the time or any others?

Was Paulus at the casino the same time Natalee was there?

Did Natalee and her friends notice Joran talking to his dad at all if he was at the casino?

Were there any other people at the casino that day that were also seen on a video or pictures at Carlos and Charlies?

Sorry for all the questions but I think they are important.

[casje12]

@ arcadia

So you really think that Yoran had this all planned out, presuming he hurt or killed NH? Let's presume he harmed her, why not on the beach? Maybe she tripped and fell on the back of her head and Yoran freaked out.

Personally I can't believe that his father helped him to get rid of the body...

[King of Controversy (Holland)]

@ casje_12
Don't bother to change the minds of those Rednecks. Joran is guilty, no matter what. The only thing they know is that NH is missing, and that makes Joran guilty of drugging, rape murder kipnapping ect ect ect. Makes sence does it?

[wreck]

People, People, People! Many here are taking this too literally! There is NO ONE ACTUALLY planning to taint the meat or water -- NO ONE group has that power or capability.
This letter is a prime example of what terrorism is. The mere THREAT of such action is what strikes fear and makes people alter their everyday routines and actions. In this case: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Now figure out who gains by this terroristic action.
1)The Holloways -- too ridiculous to even contemplate.
2) Political Adversaries -- BINGO!! They have elections coming up. Who wants the government to look bad? Remember that Jossy is leading the political opposition. Also remember that the current PM is on the ropes -- how far would HE go to scare people?

[kell]

I feel that if she is dead that her death was an accident. I do think that one or all of the boys are responsible or they would have called for help. If she fell or drowned then she had prob. been druged and VS knew that he would be held responsible.

[Wacky Theories]

The Great American Troll !!

making a stupid threat is one thing on the internet or a blog site.
But to go to the energy and effort to write out a letter and actually MAIL it is beyond just normal rationalisation.

Of course Aruba and the FBI have to take this serious. What if something did happenn, and they had withheld this info or threw it away thinking it was a joke - they'd be Vilified even more.

There is you American "Cowboy" attitude at it's best.."Let's get a hanging posse and get even"

[arcadia]

casje12--- No, I don't think he set out to harm her. Maybe they were back at his place and things got out of hand and she started screaming rape and dad heard from the other house and went up there. Maybe they were trying to shut her up and she fell and hit her head or something... If they did do something to her at the beach then why would they tell the police that is where they dropped her off...i would think they would say another location besides the place they hurt her. I Just believe that he took her back to his place b/c she was so drunk and he knew he could do what ever to her and made up the story about ever going to the beach.. he did have 10 days to clean up and get rid of...

[Wacky Theories]

Also, how will Americans from the US contaminate water?
Aruba has like the 3rd LARGEST desalinization water plant in the world. Their water is safer and purer than much of the USA's water supply.
One of those boobs would have to travel from the US (Alabama?) to Aruba in order to break into the plant and spike it.

How would that group also know what shipment of meat was going to Aruba? They would have to know what meat packing company has the contract and which lots were headed where. Again, they'd have to break in to contaminate it. Unless they planned to hijack the ship going to Aruba..LMAO

[casje12]

@ King of Controversy

I noticed that lots of people allready think Yoran is guilty and that they think he should go to court and put behind bars in the US of A. That's where they think that Michael Jackson did'nt have sex with boys and OJ Simpson actually did't killed his wife...

[Wacky Theories]

Oh yeah, and the Retard who sent that letter is now gonna face MAJOR charges. Both Federal and Homeland Security Terrorism charges.

Stupidest Prank ever!

They already have the location it was mailed from. They Also will be able to examine the paper it was typed/written on for water marks which tells what batch it came from, where it was shipped to and what store it was bought from and approximate month.

Also, they can look at the ink and typeset to determine what kind of printer or processor it came off of.

Hope the Tard also used gloves and left no finger prints.

LMAO- they probably licked the stamps and envelope.

Since it was an Air Mail, they must've gone to the Post Office to get the proper postage, they might even have them on video surveillance.

[casje12]

@ arcadia

Yes,

I have to addmit you have a point there, arcadia

didn't the police checked his house after 10 days? If there is any bloodstains that they try to clean, they can find it easely. I mean, they have that chemical stuff they use on CSI Miami too, don't they?

[globetrotter]

The truth about the threat is this:

George Bush had Karl Rove write the letter to Aruban authorities after Jug gave John Roberts a big plug on Fox News while Sean Hannity was interviewing him about his stepdaughter's disappearance-NOT the prez's judicial choice. Or possibly as a thank-you for Jug's keeping his mouth closed about all the envirornmental contamination that's hidden at that corrupt and dangerous plant where he's a manager making a 6 figure salary.

Yuck.

And thanx, Dan for posting such a bunch of baloney just because the Red Monkey's down in Aruba with Equasearch getting the real scoops which you can't even link to now that you acted like a hissy brat the other night.

http://www.pulitzer.org/year/2004/public-service/works/nytimes9.html

[kell]

I don't think there is enough evidence to legally convict VS, but It is obvious that he knows what happened. Whenever someone asked him what happend to Natalie after she was with him he makes up a bunch of lies.When it comes down to it. According to him they took Natalie to the beach and she vanished into thin air. He cannot and will not account for what happened when they got into the car.

[kell]

Also, if he had made friends with Natalie and had sex with Natalie and liked her. Then why is he not heartbroken over her missing. Instead he has been defensive.