By Racquel Porter
The Financial Investigations Division is reporting that the State has collected more than $1 billion following the forfeiture of assets and cash from people convicted for drug trafficking and lottery scamming.
FID says it has achieved significant victories in its relentless pursuit of financial criminals, securing the forfeiture and pecuniary penalty orders against drug traffickers and lottery scammers over the period June 2020 to August 2024.
Through 25 narcotics-related cases and 17 lottery scamming cases, investigators uncovered substantial financial benefits derived from criminal activities, totalling J$801 million and US$112,000 for drug trafficking, and a further J$331 million and US$347,000 for lottery scamming activities.
During the period, the Court adjudicated eight narcotics-related matters, resulting in forfeiture or pecuniary penalty orders being granted against the defendants, in the amounts of nearly J$900 million.
Meanwhile, the Court settled seven lottery scamming matters resulting in forfeiture or pecuniary penalty orders being granted against the defendants, in the amounts of J$32 million and US$71,000.
Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations Branch, Keith Darien, attributed the success to the dedication of local investigators and the strategic partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.
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