The Financial Investigations Division, (FID) says it successfully secured the forfeiture of $4.2 million to the crown following a ruling in the Clarendon Parish Court.
This was done through collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch, (CTOC).
The FID says the ruling, handed down by Mrs. Andrea English-Myers on February 6, is another victory in Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit financial activities, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, (POCA).
Police seized the money after they intercepted a motor car along the Mineral Heights main road in Clarendon on February 6, 2017.
The two occupants of the car reportedly gave conflicting reports as to who owned the money.
The FID says intelligence indicated that the vehicle was allegedly linked to drug trafficking activities.
A Clarendon businessman, who later claimed the money was shot and killed in April 2022, before the case could proceed.
Following this, the court permitted the Administrator General’s Department to assume responsibility for representing his estate.
The legal battle culminated in a trial, that commenced on October 24, 2023 and concluded on January 31 last year.
The court ultimately ruled in favour of the forfeiture, citing the lack of credible evidence to substantiate any lawful claim to the funds.
FID Director of Financial Crimes Investigations Keith Darien noted that the case demonstrates the effectiveness of POCA in ensuring that unlawfully acquired wealth is removed from circulation.
