The Antigua police today named former Antigua Prime Minister Lester Bird and Guyanese-born diplomat Sir Ron Sanders among persons of interest in a probe into a fraud case and made a special appeal for Sanders to make himself available to the police on the island.
In a statement posted on the website of the Antigua and Barbuda Government, the police said:
“Criminal Investigations into the multi-million dollar (IHI) fraud case are progressing at a steady pace; notwithstanding the recent break in and theft of sensitive documents, at the office that housed the detectives who are working on the said case.
“Based on the contents of a report, that was done by Financial Forensic Investigator Mr. Robert Lindquist, which was corroborated by preliminary police enquiries, the “persons of interest” in this case are, former Prime Minister, and member of parliament, Mr. Lester Bird, Member of Parliament, Mr. Asot Michael, Patrick. A. Michael & co. ltd. Mrs. Gesel Michael, Sir. Ronald (Sanders) (a former Antigua and Barbuda Government Ambassador to the United Kingdom) and others.
“Currently, most of the “significant persons” or “individuals of interest,” have already assisted the investigations and presented themselves to the police to be interviewed, against such a back drop and in the police’s quest, to advance this gigantic multi-million dollar criminal conspiracy. The police are making a specific public appeal to Sir Ronald (Sanders) and requests that he presents himself to the (IHI) detectives to be interviewed; hence his full co-operation for the duration of this criminal enquiry will be appreciated.
“All efforts to privately contact Sir Ronald (Sanders), have proven futile. Therefore Sir Ronald (Sanders), is being asked to urgently get in touch with commissioner of police Mr. Vere Browne, at 268-764-6323 or by email, (cop@ab.gov.ag). Additionally, he can contact detective superintendent Mr. Nuffield Burnette, at 268-764-2285 as soon as possible. Additionally, any member of the public who may know how the police can contact Sir Ronald (Sanders), are kindly ask to get in touch with the criminal investigation department, at 462-3913 or 462-3914.”, the statement added.
