The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has laid a second charge in connection with a fraud and money laundering investigation involving payroll irregularities at the Port of Spain City Corporation.
On the night of Sunday September 7th, 2025, officers of the Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) charged a 43-year-old self-employed man from Upper Santa Cruz with Money Laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 11:27.
He is the common-law husband of a female salary clerk employed at the Corporation, who was charged earlier on Friday, September 5th, 2025, with Obtaining Money by False Pretence and Money Laundering.
Background
The investigation, which began in September 2024, followed the discovery of discrepancies in the Corporation’s payroll system. Internal audits revealed that National Insurance System (NIS) deductions had been recorded for individuals not listed as employees during the relevant pay periods.
Subsequent inquiries revealed that the clerk had manipulated the payroll system to authorize unauthorized salary payments. Funds were deposited into her personal bank account and also into an account belonging to her common-law partner.
Between June and September 2024, the second suspect is alleged to have received TTD $14,964 in fraudulent payments, despite not being employed by the Corporation.
Arrest and Charges
The first suspect, a female clerk at the Port of Spain City Corporation, was arrested on September 4, 2025, and charged with:
Obtaining Money by False Pretence under the Larceny Act, Chapter 11:12, amounting to TTD $29,174.50
Money Laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act, for receiving TTD $14,210.50 known to be criminal property
The second individual was formally charged by Woman Police Constable Williams of the Financial Investigations Branch with Money Laundering, in connection with the unauthorized payments made to his account.
Oversight and Legal Guidance
The investigation was led by Inspector Mohammed, and supervised by Senior Superintendent Avinash Singh. Legal advice was provided by Sergeant Mings.
The TTPS continues to prioritize the detection and prosecution of white-collar crime, and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the integrity of public institutions.