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UPDATE: Duo to face fraud charges in January 2014

Harinder Stevens-Penn (left) and Brian Penn at the Magistrate's Court on November 7, 2013. Photo: VINO
Brian Penn (above), a member of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force [RVIPF] and his wife Harinder Steven-Penn appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on September 27, 2013 on over 200 charges. Photo: Facebook
Brian Penn (above), a member of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force [RVIPF] and his wife Harinder Steven-Penn appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on September 27, 2013 on over 200 charges. Photo: Facebook
Listed as Directors of Vanguard Security Services & Supplies Ltd, the Penns were accused of allegedly committing the acts between 2008 and 2013. Most of the alleged 237 charges were fraud related and dealt with the duo's alleged failure to make Social Security payments on behalf of staff members. Photo: VINO
Listed as Directors of Vanguard Security Services & Supplies Ltd, the Penns were accused of allegedly committing the acts between 2008 and 2013. Most of the alleged 237 charges were fraud related and dealt with the duo's alleged failure to make Social Security payments on behalf of staff members. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Brian Penn and Harinder Stephens-Penn are expected to face the Magistrate's Court again on January 7, 2014 for alleged fraud related charges.

When the duo appeared in court on December 13, 2013 their attorney Patrick Thompson requested the earliest possible date for a hearing for his clients.

Magistrate Dr Velon John is expected to hear arguments when the case resumes.

See previous story posted on November 11, 2013:

UPDATE: Security firm directors change attorney in fraud allegations

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The two Vanguard Security Services Directors facing the Magistrate’s Court for alleged acts of Social Security fraud have opted to change their attorney after it was revealed that there was a conflict with their previous one.

Police Officer and Director of Vanguard Security Services, Mr Brian Penn and his wife Harinder Stevens-Penn are yet to enter a plea to the over 200 charges brought against them at the Magistrate’s Court on September 27, 2013.

The duo told the court on November 7, 2013 that they would need two weeks to seek a new lawyer after previously being represented by attorney Stephen Daniels. Daniels stated that he withdrew from the case due to a conflict within his chambers. The prosecution offered no objection to the request of a change in attorneys.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards previously explained that most of the offences were related to the Social Security legislation and included allegations of obtaining property by deception, failure to keep proper records, evasion of liability by deception, destroying or concealing documents, failing to issue certificates to employees on termination, failing to record contributions; and failure to make payments to the Social Security Board [SSB] among others.

The full charges surrounding the allegations are yet to be read to the two defendants before the court and the prosecution promised to address these concerns at the next hearing by summarising the charges.

It was also announced that disclosure of the relevant documents had been made on both defendants.

Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 13, 2013.

See previous story posted on September 30, 2013:

Security firm Directors facing more than 200 fraud charges

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Brian Penn, a member of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force [RVIPF],and his wife Harinder Steven-Penn appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on September 27, 2013 on over 200 charges.

Listed as Directors of Vanguard Security Services & Supplies Ltd, the Penns were accused of allegedly committing the acts between 2008 and 2013. Most of the alleged 237 charges were fraud related and dealt with the duo's alleged failure to make Social Security payments on behalf of staff members.

The couple was not required to plead to the charges as they were reportedly not in receipt of any charge sheets, according to their attorney Steven Daniels.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards explained that most of the offences were related to the Social Security legislation and included allegations of obtaining property by deception, failure to keep proper records, evasion of liability by deception, destroying or concealing documents, failing to issue certificates to employees on termination, failing to record contributions; and failure to make payments to the Social Security Board [SSB] among others.

The duo will return to court on November 7, 2013 when it is expected that the full charges will be read to them.

64 Responses to “UPDATE: Duo to face fraud charges in January 2014”

  • pumpkin (30/09/2013, 12:50) Like (32) Dislike (8) Reply
    send him up to me.
    • Honestly (30/09/2013, 16:59) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
      Dude he ain no easy wife for you, so relax.
      • A cry for help (01/10/2013, 00:05) Like (5) Dislike (86) Reply
        i just feel so sorry for a young BVIslander trying to make it..the odds are so much against our people
        • Totally Amused (01/10/2013, 10:35) Like (65) Dislike (4) Reply
          What a stupid comment to make. What does young BVIslander has to do with honesty, integrity, and hard-work? There are a lot more employers out there who are taking employees money from their salary for Social Security and not paying it, but their time is coming soon. You can always succeed in the BVI if you are honest and play by the rules. Always remember that HONESTY is the best of POLICY.
          • nun (04/10/2013, 20:54) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
            exactly
          • muther fu#$ (11/11/2013, 19:45) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply

            oh really guess u don't own a small biz up in here. "£$% up the small man so you and your up per class friend look good. Stop pressing the small biz them.

            • Really??!! (12/11/2013, 09:44) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply

              Nobody will be taking any money from my salary for Social Security and Tax and keeping that $h1t for themselves. You and your small business crap. Up to you if you don't want to pay your portion fine with me, but you taking MY money and you REFUSE to pay it. If you don't want to pay Social Security nothing then give me all of my money when you pay me, don't pretend you paying it and then pocketing it. THIEF!!! If anything let me be responsible for my own demise, with your crap!!

          • so right (16/12/2013, 11:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            love your comment "totally Amused
        • Victim (12/11/2013, 14:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          You know better do better, moon does run til day ketch um
        • Sadat (19/11/2013, 13:36) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          The odds will always be against you if your a damn thief. So tell your people stop thief. They are cheating the people that works for them out of social security payments, which some of them are his very own people. Tortolalians.
        • Bob (17/12/2013, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

          WOW! You never know. Got to see the outcome of this.

    • PAM (01/10/2013, 04:22) Like (52) Dislike (3) Reply

      No one set them up. Too many island people suffering under the hands of BVI employers.

    • @pumpkin (06/10/2013, 13:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Pumpkin shut your mouth you got anything to make he your wife!!!!!! Like if you can get it up at all you fool!
    • the rock (11/11/2013, 19:43) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      shut your a.. boy!
    • Bubbles (13/11/2013, 14:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Send him up to your mother
    • Nadine (15/12/2013, 11:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      Dynamic Duo of FR**D!

  • SUSS (30/09/2013, 13:09) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    pumpkin easy no man.
  • tretretrete (30/09/2013, 14:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if this is the same situation in relation to paying taxes........
  • talk (30/09/2013, 15:00) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    It hav sum business owner right here who because of dem las name owe over 600k in tax and never behind in social security. Talk dat.
  • facts for you (30/09/2013, 15:07) Like (7) Dislike (139) Reply
    so many other people in this situation why they picking on the locals? so much big man dem own taxes
  • Biggs (30/09/2013, 15:15) Like (16) Dislike (49) Reply
    they just pick and choose who they prosecute set of one sided hypocrites
  • facts man (30/09/2013, 15:19) Like (51) Dislike (0) Reply
    its not he alone.. many business owners including two politicians doing the same thing for years..
    • weed (30/09/2013, 18:18) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      ...that is childish thinking
      • 1 (30/09/2013, 21:06) Like (6) Dislike (42) Reply
        I blame social security board how come they picking on Penn alone?
        • justice (01/10/2013, 00:06) Like (11) Dislike (32) Reply
          COME ON MS SKELTON GO AFTER THE BIG FISHES IN YOUR PARTY FROM HARRASING THE LITTLE MAN
        • CASES (11/11/2013, 16:05) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
          I SEE A POINT THERE. SSC KNOWS A LOT OF THIS CRAP IS TAKING PLACE AND THEY ARE GETTING REPORTS OF PEOPLE TAKING ADVANTAGES OF THEIR WORKER AND YET THEY DO NOT TAKE ACTION UNTIL YEARS AFTER.
        • Hmmmmm! (12/11/2013, 09:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ 1, I do not agree with you on "social security board picking on Penn" my question to Social Security is WHY THE HELL THEY WAIT SO LONG, I mean, after six months to a year, their records didn't show the Penn's owing?
  • Concern 1 (30/09/2013, 15:20) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    He is not the only a lot more out there if you know if you know you are not guilty then you can cast stones. Perhaps some who are not paying him for his service are the ones who casting stones.
  • Come on (30/09/2013, 15:38) Like (34) Dislike (0) Reply
    wrong is wrong, from here or not from here, local or non local. Bring an action against anyone who violates the Social Security laws, regardless of where you from don't make you right. Deal with them one by one.
  • insider (30/09/2013, 16:13) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply

    boy I feel your pain as so many have done this but they werent caught

  • VIslander (30/09/2013, 16:17) Like (39) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't subscribe to this "from here or not from here" business. My belief is, if you break the law, you should pay.
    But my main concern with this situation is that this company has allegedly been deducting employees social security and not paying it in, God forbid, these persons become sick and need to make a claim against their contributions, they cannot, because they are not up to date. Have you all seen the advertisement being run by the Social Security Board, this is a serious matter, if true. NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR AT ALL!
  • Brick (30/09/2013, 16:37) Like (5) Dislike (36) Reply
    whats good for one good for all. This seems like a witch hunt
  • the rock (30/09/2013, 17:16) Like (3) Dislike (116) Reply
    brian keep your head up..no one is perfect..times are hard... really hard!
    • hold on (11/11/2013, 18:29) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      Brian hold on don't gave up keep the faith it have officer in the force who hands a dirty from criminal money and them covering it do not lose faith god will see you through this he does not sleep nor slumber
  • xxxxxxxx (30/09/2013, 18:12) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    its the he said she said..... sad
  • son of the soil (30/09/2013, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (142) Reply
    You are a local so you get fart.
  • zoe (30/09/2013, 21:03) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    policeman running a private security business ting to talk as forbes say in this!!!
  • Brain owes me (30/09/2013, 22:51) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the relevant authority also need to check in at Labour also since reports were made to them about him owing employees.
    He owes me, i made a report to Labour and Mr. Mactavious had promised to make him pay but he never did and the Labour department never enforced the issue of non payment. They also need to do an inspection of his security office environment its not up to OSHA requirements
    But god does not sleep, karma baby
  • one rule (30/09/2013, 23:57) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    let's hope that lady at social security goes after the politians too... I will be waiting
    • scato (11/11/2013, 16:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let's hope she check out her co-workers who is working with her everyday and not paying there dues to society.
  • sithy (01/10/2013, 04:28) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Complaint commissioner should investigate government giving those security firms jobs and they can't satisfy all Good Standing tender docments.
  • cop (01/10/2013, 06:04) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'll hold on to your CAR-KEY untill you come from BALO.
  • egg face (01/10/2013, 07:24) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    I feel your pain Mr. Penn what a public humiliation
  • Real Talk (01/10/2013, 09:54) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply

    god do not sleep

  • east end massive (01/10/2013, 22:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    poor fella look his face of pain
  • 1 (03/10/2013, 19:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    One man, has the power to inflict enormous damage on so many workers of a lil 2 by 4 security firm
  • KMML (11/11/2013, 16:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHAT AH SHAME
  • sorry (11/11/2013, 16:14) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    i feel so sorry for them
  • holy crap (11/11/2013, 18:58) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Karma is real...peace out
  • If the Truth be told (11/11/2013, 19:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes there are a lot of employers taken out government Payroll taxes as well and not paying into Inland Revenue either they too wants to go Balo. I am please to see Society Security taking them to court. the Government need to do better collect it revenues. If they dont pay dont renew their trade licence . some of them are big in society. in some Caribbean countries they publish those who owes society Security and taxes they can do the same here. Name them and shame them
  • truthis (11/11/2013, 21:01) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    I think this thing is just bad mind, its freedom of speech yes, but what most of u gaining from bad mouthing the man. Every body has a time when things go up and down for them. Even the Prime Minster, President etc.. owe . Some talking about karma ah you just ungrateful never wish bad not even for your worse enemy, when u do that god will show u karma sending him jail will your ssc be paid kmt . NO MAN IS PERFECT. HOLD THE FAITH MR.PENN
  • ?? (11/11/2013, 22:22) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bonnie and Clyde??
  • african (12/11/2013, 00:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    look how they songle he out to destory him what about the others even former workers of teh SSB
  • Woman2Woman (12/11/2013, 02:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Im nOt placing blame but not a good thing to see a woman in this kind of rah rah. You are supposed to cover your man and make certain he is doing the right thing. No matter who else out there doing it. Even if You didn't know after all you're named as one of the biz
    officers. I pray and wish you Godspeed.
  • power (12/11/2013, 07:24) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is such bad mindedness and trying to use the Penns as a scape goat to show they ssb doing something but it’s unfair very unfair!!!
  • truthis (12/11/2013, 12:53) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The man and his wife already facing enough We all human I feel it for them.
  • dd (12/11/2013, 18:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need to star lowering the tone of the place.

  • bad boy (12/11/2013, 23:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    LOL SHUT U ALL MOUTH. THERE WAS A MAN AND HIS WIFE WHO WORK ME AND DID NOT PAY ME MY SALARY. THIS MATTER WAS TAKEN TO LABOUR AND THE POLICE CHIEF BUT EVERYONE IGNORE ME BUT THE HAND OF GOD IS GREAT.

  • Sharti (19/11/2013, 16:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It all boils down to greed, I don't feel sorry for them. I feel for the people they have been cheating out of their social security benefits.
  • judge (15/12/2013, 09:57) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let my people go
  • Ah Seh To SSB (15/12/2013, 10:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You need to take some responsibility in this matter. Why so long that charges rack up to the point where the judge can't read all of them? I see a board was finally announced. I don't think there is a case and they'll end up with a fine which will send a message to the others.
  • ova and out (15/12/2013, 19:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tough to swallow.
  • Village boy (16/12/2013, 13:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ever since I was a little tad I was taught that a police officers duty was to enforce the law! WRONG!


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