A former Ministry of National Security cashier has been granted $450,000 bail after being charged with embezzling over $700,000 from government funds.
Kavita Maharaj, who worked as a cashier at the Ministry’s Temple Court office on Abercromby Street, was arrested by Fraud Squad officers on July 24, 2025, at a residence in Sangre Grande. The 27-year-old had been absent from duty since 2024 without formal suspension.
An internal audit revealed that between January and September 2023, Maharaj allegedly falsified official records and misappropriated approximately $718,000 intended for the Ministry. Her duties included collecting cash payments for services such as work permits and remitting those funds to the Ministry.
Following the Ministry’s formal report to the Fraud Squad, Acting Corporal Saunders led the investigation under the coordination of Senior Superintendent Jackman and his team. After being interviewed under caution, Maharaj was formally charged on July 27 with one count of Embezzlement by a Public Servant under the Larceny Act.
She appeared before Master Indira Chinebass, who granted bail with conditions requiring her to report to a specified police station twice weekly and notify the court of any address changes. The case has been adjourned to October 31, 2025, for a status hearing.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service emphasized its commitment to combating white-collar crime, with Deputy Commissioner Suzette Martin and Assistant Commissioner Denis Knutt overseeing the White-Collar Crime Division’s continued efforts to preserve public trust in national institutions.