(Trinidad Express) The Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has obtained an order from the court to forfeit $99,900 which was seized from a man who was later shot and killed.
The order was granted on Thursday by Chief Magistrate Maria Busby-Earle-Caddle at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court.
A cash forfeiture investigation commenced on September 13, 2018, after $99,900 was seized from Jason Sankar by the Financial Investigation Branch.
Sankar, a suspected drug dealer, was shot and killed when gunmen ambushed him and a group of men at South Oropouche on November 3, last year.
The cash was seized pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act Chapter 11:27.
On Friday 14th September, 2018, a Cash Detention Order was granted by Chief Magistrate Busby Earl-Caddle at the Port of Spain Eighth Magistrate Court for a period of three months.
This order was granted to allow for continued investigations into the legitimacy of the source of the funds, or its intended use.
On September 17, 2018 the $99,900 was deposited into the Treasury by virtue of Section 38 (5) of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Police Constable James, of the FIB, conducted enquiries, interviewed persons, made requests to several State agencies, received responses and submitted a file with his findings and recommendations.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) was engaged and advice sought.
On August 7, 2019 an application for Forfeiture of the seized cash was laid at the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court.
The application was heard by Chief Magistrate Busby Earl-Caddle via virtual hearing of the Port of Spain 8th Magistrates’ Court.
The Chief Magistrate eventually ordered the forfeiture of the $99,900 in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act.
