(Trinidad Guardian) The T&T Police Service (TTPS) and the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) are investigating the discovery of illegal CCTV cameras mounted by gangs to monitor police stations, says National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds.
And business organisations in T&T have all expressed deep concern over the issue, stressing the need for various forms of action from authorities.
Hinds spoke on the matter in the Parliament yesterday in response to questions from UNC MP Roodal Moonilal.
Moonilal asked what urgent action had been taken to address the unprecedented and recent revelations that gang members had utilised 23 CCTV cameras to monitor police officers. These were mounted on TTEC poles outside three stations in East Trinidad.
Hinds said it was not unprecedented.
“We’ve seen it before in T&T and around the world. It’s an unfortunate development but it occurred,” he said.
Hinds said the TTPS had assembled a powerful team, including its cybercrime, social media and research analytical units to investigate the matter. He said they will gather all the facts – who, what when, where, and on what authority if any cameras were mounted on T&TEC poles.
“It appears none. T&TEC – the authority TTPS is collaborating with on this – has indicated it authorised (as is required under law) no one to install cameras on its poles. Additionally, police are speaking to people, canvassing views of people in the neighbourhoods to determine these facts.”
On Moonilal’s query about whether an independent probe will be done, Hinds said, “It is the police that investigates crime in T&T. In terms of monitoring T&T’s national security affairs, we also have the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) and both the SSA and TTPS are continuing investigations into this matter.”
Congratulating police in the division where the cameras were found, Hinds added, “It is police officers who observed these objects where they ought not to have been, collaborated with TTEC, clarified that they were unauthorised and the police removed all 23 cameras. Investigations are seeking to find out if there are others.”
He said recent talk about “61 and 62 cameras” and “police seizing monitoring equipment in offices or homes” was untrue.
Moonilal asked if the ministry did an inventory of CCTV cameras at Government locations, including the Prime Minister and President’s residences, and at Parliament. Hinds clashed with the Opposition in his reply that the former prime minister dismantled security cameras at the PM’s residence. Saying criminals have always wanted to monitor TTPS’ activity, Hinds said Parliament records will show Moonilal has been monitored by the TTPS in undercover cars.
Moonilal said, “This mad minster is talking rubbish…!”
Business entities concerned
The discovery of the “spy” cameras set up by gangs has troubled business groups.
Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce president Ramon Gregorio, in whose areas the 23 cameras were found, said, “This is of grave concern to us and the wider business community but we’re heartened that police are aware and treating with this with utmost importance and focus.
“As a chamber, we’d like legislation to be passed that encourages penalties and fines for any persons installing unauthorised devices in public spaces. Police and intelligence sources need to work together to stamp out this practice. The Tunapuna Station Council moves steadfastly with the Eagle Eye project and we encourage due diligence and extra vigilance to be taken by businesses.”
Chaguanas Chamber president Baldath Maharaj said Chaguanas is already under siege, as residents continue facing extortion threats.
“Compounding this is the revelation that criminals have established their own surveillance networks to monitor law enforcement activities – a brazen breach of T&T’s security apparatus. This unsettling development begs the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to safeguard the population from becoming easy targets in their own communities.”
AMCHAM CEO Nirad Tewarie said, “This discovery is deeply concerning. Clearly, it points to a compromising of our security services and increasing sophistication of the operations of criminal gangs. However, the uncovering and dismantling of these activities are quite commendable.
“The thought of a link, based on recent revelations by the Prime Minister and in the media, between these activities and the state intelligence service (SSA) is alarming. We also reiterate that any meaningful effort to combat crime must include following the money and the prosecution of white-collar crime.”
The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce said the discovery of covert surveillance devices raises alarms in T&T.
“It is apparent that the discovery of the ‘spy camera’ shows the organised nature of the criminal elements. This is a concern that has been raised many times before by several business sector organisations. We need swift and decisive action by the T&T Police Service (TTPS) and other security forces.
“Delayed responses to such issues afford criminal elements ample time to strategise, presenting a significant challenge to detection efforts. Urgent action is imperative to address the proliferation of these intrusive technologies through coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.”
The chamber added, “We acknowledge the serious implications of these developments on local businesses and the overall security landscape. The presence of unauthorised surveillance equipment not only deters potential customers but also erodes trust within the population and hampers economic growth in affected areas. The T&T Chamber calls on authorities to urgently convene meetings with business service organisations and other key stakeholders to collectively address these pressing concerns related to criminal activity.”
T&T Manufacturers’ Association head Roger Roach added, “The discovery of gangs installing CCTV cameras to monitor police movements indicates a concerning level of sophistication and technological adoption within organised crime groups in T&T. Such activity has far-reaching consequences such as increased risk to law enforcement; gangs being pre-emptive in their actions; possible escalation of criminal activities; and importantly negative impact and consequence on the business community. Such activity can allow for erosion of public trust.”
Roach added, “TTMA is thankful such activities by gangs have been identified. Now it becomes imperative for law enforcement to take decisive action to counteract the influence of organised crime and ensure heightened safety and security of citizens and business alike.”
Confederation of Regional Business Chambers president Vivek Charran said, “The discovery is shocking and disturbing. It raises questions of how the cameras were installed on the poles, how long were these areas under surveillance and if cameras are directly related to the many gang shootouts that have been happening on these areas, particularly Tunapuna. Are civilians and businesses also being monitored? Is this criminal strategy used to plan home invasions and armed robberies, could it lead to kidnappings?”
He added, “Police are due credit for the discovery. But are there other hubs in different areas? Are other areas under surveillance? It shows that while policing can often be embroiled in red tape, administrative bureaucracy and even political elements, the criminals are single-minded in their approach to find ways to thwart the police’s plans.”