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Trinidad and Tobago - Recent Fraud Squad Arrests Highlight the Fight Against White-Collar Crime

 Introduction

In a series of recent developments, the Fraud Squad in Trinidad and Tobago has made significant strides in the battle against white-collar crime. Three individuals were arrested and charged between October 10 and 12, facing various allegations, including larceny, money laundering, and submission of fraudulent academic certificates. These cases shed light on the ongoing efforts to tackle financial wrongdoing and maintain the integrity of institutions and applications. Let's delve into each of these cases and explore the implications of these arrests.

The Accounts Clerk's Ordeal

Randell Dillon Sahadeo, an accounts clerk at the Law Association of TT, found himself at the center of a legal storm. Initially arrested on October 10, Sahadeo was subsequently charged on October 12 with one count of larceny and a staggering 12 charges of money laundering. These charges stem from a concerning report involving several returned cheques amounting to $385,295.32. These cheques were made out to a company allegedly owned by Sahadeo.

The irregularities came to light during a reconciliation exercise within the association, prompting an immediate report to law enforcement. Sahadeo was granted bail amounting to $300,000 and is scheduled to appear before the Port of Spain Magistrates Court on October 31.

A Prison Officer's Troubles

Neil Looknanan, a prison officer with 27 years of service, faced charges related to fraudulent academic qualifications. On October 11, Looknanan was arrested for allegedly submitting a fake academic certificate to support an application for a promotion to the rank of prisons supervisor. The certificate, purportedly for a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West Indies, was later exposed as fraudulent.

Looknanan was granted bail of $100,000 and is set to appear before the Port of Spain Magistrates Court on November 23.

A Housing Fast-Track Scheme

Devon Foster faced a different set of charges, involving larceny by trick. On October 12, he was charged with three counts of this offense. These charges emerged from reports by victims who claimed to have paid a total of $91,000 to expedite their applications for state housing at the Housing Development Cooperation.

An investigation was launched after a report was made to the Fraud Squad, leading to Foster's arrest. He was denied bail and is scheduled to appear before the San Fernando Magistrates Court on the upcoming Monday.

A Zero Tolerance Approach to Fraud

Wendell Lucas, the head of the White-Collar Crime Division, commended the diligent work of Snr Supt Arlett Groome and the Fraud Squad. Lucas emphasized the division's unwavering commitment to prosecuting fraud offenders, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to white-collar crime.

These recent arrests serve as a testament to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement agencies in Trinidad and Tobago in their ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and maintain the trust and integrity of institutions and applications. The cases also underscore the importance of thorough verification and due diligence in academic and financial matters, ensuring that credentials and transactions are above reproach.

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