Police collect 45 extortion letters in Manchester

Investigators have collected 45 extortion letters from business operators in Mandeville, Manchester as a high level probe is conducted into the scam which has caused jitters in the private sector.
  
News came on the weekend that business operators in Mandeville were sent letters to make monthly payments to the extortionists.              
  
They were told that failure to comply could result in their relatives and employees being killed and their businesses destroyed.    
  
But the Manchester Chamber of Commerce is calling for the business community to remain calm.
  
Garfield Green, President of the Chamber, made the call following an emergency meeting with the police Monday morning.
  
He encouraged the business community to pass on any information they may have that could assist the police in their investigation.

Mr. Green said a second meeting will be held with the police and Manchester business operators this week where "the police will provide us with an update and they will educate us and provide some tips on how we can protect ourselves... if we were to be approached."

Four in custody

Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (C-TOC) says charges will be laid as it intensifies its probe into the extortion racket in Manchester.
  
Assistant Commissioner Clifford Chambers, head of C-TOC, said four persons - three females and a male - are in custody in relation to the scam.

"We are ensuring that they are provided with the requisite legal representation prior to the question and answer or other elements of the investigation," he shared.

No reports in Clarendon
 
In the meantime, Superintendent Vendolyn Cameron Powell, head of the Clarendon Police, said she has not received any official report from any member of the business community in the parish of them being approached by extortionists.
  
There had been reports that the extortionists were also targeting businesses in May Pen.

However, the superintendent dismissed those reports, saying: "Up to Monday, March 6, no member of the business community, no other citizen has passed on any such extortion letter to any member of the police staff."

She again urged business persons in Clarendon to report and turn over such letter if they have received one.