TWO FOREIGN NATIONALS CONVICTED FOR BREACHES OF THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT
Members of the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) within the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC) have secured convictions against two foreign nationals for breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
They are 39-year-old Adesh Seuraj, a Trinidadian national, and 52-year-old Lal Chowdhary, an Indian national residing in Curacao. Both were charged with conducting a cash transaction exceeding one million JMD, which is contrary to Section 101 of the Act.
On Monday, October 6, Seuraj was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) after officers from the Jamaica Customs Agency found him in possession of more than 64,000 USD. He told investigators that he had collected the funds from a wholesaler in Jamaica.
Two days later, on Wednesday, October 8, Chowdhary was arrested at NMIA after being found with over 50,000 USD. He gave a similar account to investigators, stating that the cash was collected from a wholesaler in Jamaica.
Both men appeared before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on Friday, October 10, where they pleaded guilty to the offence. Each was fined 200,000 JMD or 20 days imprisonment.
Acting Senior Superintendent of Police (Actg. SSP) Victor Barrett of C-TOC described the convictions as a demonstration of Jamaica’s efforts to combat financial crimes and protect the economy.
“These convictions send a clear message that Jamaica is not a soft target for financial crimes,” said Actg. SSP Barrett. “They reflect the collaboration with the police and their partners, the vigilance at our borders, the efficiency of the judiciary, and the professionalism and integrity of our investigators. The Proceeds of Crime Act continues to be a vital tool in disrupting illicit financial activity,” he added.
He further emphasised that while both men were fined 200,000 JMD, under the Proceeds of Crime
Act, a person convicted of this offence can be fined up to 3 million JMD or imprisonment for up to three years.
The public is reminded to report financial crimes or any suspicious activities to the C-TOC at 876-967-1389, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, the police 119 emergency number, or the nearest police station.
