$29,901 in seized cash has been forfeited to the state, inclusive of interest.

This order came yesterday from Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle.

The cash in question was seized on 30th April 2021 under section 38(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act Chapter 11:27.

The TTPS says WPC Beharry of the Financial Investigations Branch was detailed to conduct enquiries into the legitimacy of the seized cash.

Upon completion of her investigation, she submitted an investigative file, together with an application of forfeiture order to the DPP’s office for consideration.

The DPP then filed an application for a forfeiture order in accordance with section 39 of the Proceeds of Crime Act Chapter 11:27.

Commenting on the forfeiture, Senior Superintendent of FIB, Avinash Singh said, “The Financial Investigations Branch continues with its mandate to deprive the criminal elements of their illicit proceeds. The Branch continues to utilize the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that proceeds of criminal activities are identified and forfeited accordingly.”

The Snr. Supt also revealed that cumulatively, a total of just over TTD $20.9 million has been forfeited to the state by the courts as a result of financial investigations.

He said, “This is cash that has been found to be linked to crimes inclusive of firearms and drug trafficking among other specified offenses and which therefore had the potential to be used to further fuel violent crime.”