Business ProfileforCuracao

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement on a judgment by the Los Angeles County Superior Court finding that Curacao, a retail store chain with 10 locations in Southern California, unlawfully profited from the chain's largely Latino immigrant customer base. The court ruled that Curacao and its owner, Ron Azarkman, illegally sold insurance through unlicensed, unqualified salespeople and barred Curacao and Mr. Azarkman from future misconduct. Additionally, the Court imposed $7,970,175 in civil penalties against both the company and its owner for illegal sales of insurance products.

“Curacao’s unlawful business practices were targeted, pervasive, and showed a disregard for state consumer protection laws and the consumers those laws are intended to protect,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Between today’s decision and the 2021 settlement, Curacao and its owner are finally being held to account for enriching themselves at the expense of the retail chain’s largely low-income, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant customer base. The California Department of Justice will continue to hold those who take advantage of hardworking Californians accountable.”

Curacao and Mr. Azarkman previously agreed to provide more than $10 million in relief, and to be subject to a permanent injunction, in a partial settlement of the Attorney General’s claims. Today’s decision addresses the Attorney General’s remaining claims.