Two police officers have been charged with multiple counts of misbehaviour in public office.
The charges against PCs Stefano Haban and Jalani Prima, stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on March 14th 2026.
According to reports, a motorist was stopped by officers along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway in the vicinity of Mausica, with the driver complying with requests for his documents.
He denied driving a stolen vehicle, but was nevertheless arrested, handcuffed, and put into a marked police vehicle.
While being transported to the Maloney Police Station, the officers allegedly diverted and instead drove along Mausica Road, where the man was allegedly subjected to demands for money in exchange for his release.
The officers are said to have solicited $20,000 from the victim and required an immediate payment of $10,000.
The man was allegedly taken to an ATM in Arima and instructed to withdraw cash, which he did.
He was also allegedly threatened with further consequences if the remaining balance was not paid.
The officers are also accused of taking cash from the victim’s wallet during the incident.
An investigation was immediately launched by the Professional Standards Bureau.
Both officers have been jointly charged with:
- Misbehaviour in public office, namely kidnapping
- Misbehaviour in public office, namely corruptly and dishonestly obtaining $10,000
Additionally, PC Haban faces several further charges, including:
- Attempting to corruptly and dishonestly obtain $20,000
- Larceny of $1,200
- Multiple counts of attempting to obtain additional sums of money
- Corruptly and dishonestly obtaining $500
Following their arrest, Preventive Detention Orders were obtained, and both officers are currently detained at the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre.
The matter was heard before the Arima Magistrates’ Court today and adjourned to April 14th 2026.
