A member of the police executive has refused to resign, despite evidence unearthed by the Special Anti-Crime Unit linking him to several kidnappings/extortions, sources said yesterday.
The top policeman went on leave shortly after he was approached by member of the unit, the sources said.
Material evidence linking him to the extortion racket was discovered during searches conducted at his home and office at the police administration building, the sources said.
A source said $300,000, which was part of a recent ransom payment in a kidnapping, was also found during the search.
A senior policeman who did not want to be identified yesterday said charges would more than likely be laid against the officer.
He said that a tribunal would be set up to investigate the allegations, at the end of which it would be decided what action to take.
The senior policeman said investigations had uncovered that the executive member was using the “infamous kidnap list which was found earlier this year by members of the AKS” to assist him in pinpointing targets.
The list had the names of several businessmen seen as good prospects for kidnap victims.
“Apparently, the executive member would call the intended victim on the list and demand money from them for police protection,” the source said.
The source said several businessmen agreed to lodge complaints, while others refused.
He said this was not the first time allegations of misconduct have been levelled against the officer.
The source said that about two months ago, it was also alleged that the officer received $10,000 in hush money not to expose a prostitution ring at a Central hotel.
Contacted yesterday, two businessmen who were on the so-called kidnap list, and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the officer had contacted them and demanded money so they and their families would not be kidnapped.
One of them said if a tribunal was set up and the officer was charged, he would not testify, since he feared for the lives of himself and his family.
It was only earlier this week that president of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Cedric Neptune, called for the disbanding of SAUTT.
Neptune told reporters SAUTT was being given money while police stations and several units within the Police Service remained dilapidated and lacked resources.
He also cited the one major breakthrough SAUTT made, which was the rescue of the kidnapped Nath brothers in June.
The brothers, Ronald and Richard, who were kidnapped on June 27, were rescued by SAUTT in Chaguanas after being held for a week.
SAUTT reports directly to National Security Minister Martin Joseph and is headed by Brigadier Peter Joseph.
Efforts to contact SAUTT’s investigative department by telephone proved futile yesterday, as only a voice mail came on. Joseph’s and Neptune’s cellphones were switched off. Paul was said to be in several meetings when the Guardian tried to reach him.
When contacted, vice-president of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Noel Chase, said, “The association has nothing concrete on this.
“So far, we are hearing rumours of it being criminal activities and the association has not been able to ascertain whether it is true or not.”
He said if there was any validity to the allegation, “it was a sad, sad day for the image of the Police Service, since the service is already going through a rough patch.”
“These allegations would further dampen the image and take away the public’s trust, but I cannot comment further on it until further
p.s. But dey want to hold me fuh my likkle joint, fire bun dem wicked Babylon!