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UPDATE: RVIPF officers enriched themselves, formed connections – UK Prosecutor

- spoke of purchase of vehicle & building of home foundation with proceeds; court hears of pillowcase of money that 'stood up like a man'
UK Prosecutor Christopher Sallon QC told the court that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Officers Pamphill Prevost, Simon Power and Shawn Henry could expect long jail sentences if convicted because of the gravity of the crimes they have been accused of. Photo: www.doughtystreet.co.uk
As a result of Operation Lucan, three officers (2 in background) of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) appeared today April 5, 2016 in the Magistrate's Court charged with a number of offences ranging from theft and burglary to acquiring, possessing and use of proceeds of criminal activity and possession of a controlled substance with regards to activities they were allegedly involved in between 2012 and 2014. Photo: VINO
As a result of Operation Lucan, three officers (2 in background) of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) appeared today April 5, 2016 in the Magistrate's Court charged with a number of offences ranging from theft and burglary to acquiring, possessing and use of proceeds of criminal activity and possession of a controlled substance with regards to activities they were allegedly involved in between 2012 and 2014. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As the explosive details were disclosed during an almost three hour hearing in the Magistrate's Court yesterday April 5, 2016, a special UK Prosecutor Christopher Sallon QC told the court that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officers Pamphill Prevost, Simon Power and Shawn Henry could expect long jail sentences if convicted because of the gravity of the crimes they have been accused of.

The men were all remanded to Her Majesty's Prison at Balsam Ghut after Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo refused their bail application, citing the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of the men fleeing the territory as a result of the charges they now face following an 18-month investigation.

The Magistrate believed that the State had a strong leg to stand on and that the evidence against the accused men was strong. She said the alleged actions of the men have the potential to undermine the justice system and cause loss of confidence in it.

The charges are all indictable and as such there must be a preliminary inquiry or paper committal in order to determine whether a High Court trial will take place.

Sallon summarised that the three men faced a total of 19 charges said to be omitted between January 1, 2012 and April 1, 2014.

The men face nine charges of theft, four charges of acquiring, possessing or use of proceeds of criminal activity, one charge of transfer of proceeds of criminal activity out of the territory, two charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to supply, three charges of attempting to subvert the course of justice.

He said that the accused officers would use intelligence to target and apprehend criminals and then steal money and drugs meant to be turned in for evidence. He alleged they would then either spend the money in the territory or transfer it overseas and used for the men's personal enrichment.

Men allegedly stole $$ & drugs seized in operations

The men are alleged to have stolen, on separate occasions, monies in the amounts of $15,000, $128,000, $30,000, 158 kilos of marijuana, 20 kilos of cocaine, $80,000, $4,000, $2,000, $20,000 and $9,000. The men allegedly stole monies connected to cases involving Arthur James, Glenroy Pierre, Leon King and a number of Puerto Ricans including Ruben Nunez and Esteban Tapia.

Sallon said it is believed that in one instance, as much as 75 percent of a cache of money was stolen. He said in this instance, Police heard statements that a pillowcase was so filled with money that it “stood up like a man.” However, he said that the official declaration of what was found in that raid said to be in Cane Garden Bay was significantly less, said to be in the order of about 25 percent of what was originally believed to be in the 'standing' pillowcase. According to Sallon, it is believed that the pillowcase was stuffed with over $500,000.

Drugs & $$ unaccounted for

Sallon added that some of the money seized from criminals were never accounted for. He said that four suitcase filled with cannabis sativa cannot be accounted for.

The men are also alleged to have tampered with evidence bags in an attempt to cover their tracks after it was alleged that they removed monies from them. He said the men would have made connections with other suppliers and engaged in high level criminal activity.

Interdicted officer to be state witness

The prosecutor disclosed that Prevost allegedly told a co-conspirator Michael Isles that he purchased a Subaru motor car while Power said that he used the proceeds to build the foundation for his home. It is alleged that Power had an unexplained deposit in his bank account for which he lied to the bank manager regarding the source of the funds. Sallon confirmed that while Isles was also interdicted from duty as part of the investigation, he will not face charges but will be a witness for the State.

In his summary of the charges, Sallon debunked the defence team's argument for bail for their clients, citing the possibility that they could abscond given the seriousness of the crimes they are accused of and the related lengthy jail times.

Sallon informed the court that the State will seek to make arrangements to ensure that the three accused policemen are kept separately and safe while in Balsam Ghut.

The parties return to court on May 6, 2016.

See previous article published April 5, 2016

3 alleged corrupt RVIPF officers refused bail

- charged with theft, burglary, use of proceeds of criminal activity & possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, among other charges as Operation Lucan bites

As a result of Operation Lucan, three officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) appeared today April 5, 2016 in the Magistrate's Court charged with a number of offences ranging from theft and burglary to acquiring, possessing and use of proceeds of criminal activity and possession of a controlled substance with regards to activities they were allegedly involved in between 2012 and 2014.

It is alleged that the three policemen, Simon Power of the Virgin Islands, Shawn Henry of Jamaica and Pamphill Prevost of Dominica, stole monies which were seized from persons who were arrested for drug crimes. It is alleged that they also stole from drug caches with an intent to redistribute and put the proceeds to their own use and benefit. 

Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo refused to grant bail owing to the seriousness of the offences and the fact that they were police officers. She said that if found guilty by trial their actions have the potential to subvert the course of justice.

The Magistrate rejected arguments from the defense attorneys, namely Richard G. Rowe and Patrick Thompson, saying that the allegations were serious enough to warrant withholding bail from the men.

The defense attorneys argued that the allegations carry jail sentences which are similar to offenses considered less serious and as such they argued for bail for their clients.

The men have been remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut and will return to court on May 6, 2016.

Operation Lucan was launched in 2014 with a view to investigating high profile corruption in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

Early into the investigations, five RVIPF officers were interdicted from duty, however, one of them was reinstated to full police duties.

67 Responses to “UPDATE: RVIPF officers enriched themselves, formed connections – UK Prosecutor”

  • wize up (05/04/2016, 14:18) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thought this was something new: some individuals of the local force been doing these things for years!!!!
    • rewrsdffds (05/04/2016, 15:20) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      Whatever happens in darkness comes to light. The longest of rope has an end
  • saying (05/04/2016, 14:42) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    @Wizened up
    Come tell me is the same darn thing it is not new
    • wize up (05/04/2016, 21:49) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ saying: the thought the guys were arrested for beating up suspects....these specialized police squads such as drug units are often very curpt
  • Political Observer (05/04/2016, 14:47) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    Let's hold our fire until they have had due process which they are entitled to. Nonetheless, nothing smells worst than convicted corrupt cops. They bring shame on they and families, department, and community.
    • wize up (05/04/2016, 17:06) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ political observer: for the fact that criminal charges were laid against these guys one can conclude there is evidence of wrong doing.....lots more of them doing it; who really does the background checks on these guys from overseas before they are recruited into the RVIPF....BVI; crooked politicians & crooked cops(way to go) the place needs more check and balances
  • mommy (05/04/2016, 14:49) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    I can't see them face, who them be?
  • Mathematician (05/04/2016, 14:56) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Last line of the News Report: "Five RVIPF officers were interdicted from duty, one of them was reinstated to full police duties."

    Three who were just remanded, plus the one reinstated to duty equals four.

    What happened to number five?
    • Rat (05/04/2016, 15:36) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
      He turned snitch
    • @Mathematician (05/04/2016, 15:46) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Number 5 would be considered as the officer who is giving the information on the others that wont be charged
    • HHMMMM (05/04/2016, 16:16) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      You think you know, hmmm its 6 two back on duty, one under protection and 3 now gone jail.
  • what's good for the goose is also good for the gander (05/04/2016, 14:57) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY
    • tony montana (05/04/2016, 16:10) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      hey that is my line get your own
    • cat too (05/04/2016, 23:33) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Every dog has his day and every cat has his Sunday afternoon...that's the one where deh cat going get ???
  • Well Sah (05/04/2016, 15:15) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well well i would've never thought that henry would be caught up in smtn like this for a new comer in the force, so quiet yet deadly as for prevost and simon we all knew ya'll time were near; got to damn cocky and boastful with people money
    • silentsam (06/04/2016, 08:13) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      it is the quiet ones who are the most dangerous
    • insider (06/09/2018, 15:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Henry quiet but he's a thief, He took the money and build his house in Jamaica. H e put his mother in the house.. hmmmm let's see if he will sell the house to pay the bail money.
  • Binocs (05/04/2016, 15:24) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    That is why they did not like the English chief. He had the guts to start an investigation into the rumors we have been hearing for years.
  • just asking? (05/04/2016, 15:35) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    How come the uk ones gone free
    • wize up (05/04/2016, 17:24) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ just asking: it's them doing the paperwork (the white UK guys will simply say sting operation and take themselves out)
  • Hmm (05/04/2016, 15:41) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    At least a quarter of them in the force corrupt, let's keep it all the way real; not just 3! I won't be surprised if they start calling out other officers.
  • Simmonds (05/04/2016, 16:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Away in witness protection.
  • dat (05/04/2016, 17:39) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Look dat bold head one there he is a big one too
  • Troll king (05/04/2016, 17:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is this news? Are we suppose be shocked? Anyways how soon can i join the task first..
    I hungry af i want in on this big eat
  • Thing to talk (05/04/2016, 17:51) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    Oh my the same officers want to be up in your face and them into the same sh.t .tell me how will they get respect from others when they them self can't respect their self .very low of these guys

  • TurtheDove (05/04/2016, 17:59) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hope them politians are next
  • Badluck (05/04/2016, 18:15) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Police officers should be smart enough to know what you cant do alone by yourself leave it alone. Trust no one. Then again why the Rats didnt get fed with combat.
    • B (06/04/2016, 07:19) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Because they were to busy enjoying the free cheddar cheese and peanut butter. Rats love cheddar cheese and peanut butter that is why they got caught. They over ate.
      • @B..lol. (06/04/2016, 17:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Nothing wrong with feeding the Rats with Cheddar Cheese and peanut butter. But when the Rats start to chat what they ain suppose to chat. You secretly switch their meal to combat...full them and give them permanent sleep..
  • Combat (05/04/2016, 18:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    U onto something. Lol. Rats love Combat. And they greedy. A few of them already enjoy that meal. Their belly got so full that it burst. Lol.
  • bosscrab (05/04/2016, 18:24) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    It seems no back ground check was done on this pam field gangstar guy he should have remembered where he came froml,the cat must have been looking at the cheese.
  • The Reaper (05/04/2016, 18:45) Like (4) Dislike (12) Reply
    They came here with out cleaning their back yard ,take that . Especially the ball head one feel he was untouchable.. when he wasn't a police, I use too stop and give him ride.He got big and trying to try me...The Reaper..U all is Sh!!!T..All of U ain't know about here only the US Money..Give a shit ...I Do .Punk ask cop . Try me... l will run up in ya spot ,
  • Not good (05/04/2016, 19:06) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    we are all human......police officers are human too we all make mistake. what they did was wrong. i just feel for them family, when kids ask where is daddy. forgive them lord
    • SB (06/04/2016, 11:05) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      What you think other families had to go through? The same walk of shame FOH nobody gives a flying phuk bout they families or perception of family members.
  • Bro P (05/04/2016, 19:32) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Think them had war send his unckel to get him?
  • de silent one (05/04/2016, 19:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    OMG! I wondered how long are they going to stay silent before they start implicating others. Are they going to take the fall, hope NOT
    • Caught (06/04/2016, 13:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @de silent one, As they sit in jail they are trying to figure out how to gnaw their way out of the trap they are in. Corrupt cops is dangerous. They are scared because they are now in jail with people who they are responsible for putting in jail. No cop is above the law. They are scared.
  • Well Well (05/04/2016, 20:23) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    The worst thing that can happen to a cop is when they have to sit in jail with some of the same people they send to jail.
  • no justice (05/04/2016, 20:50) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    after selling goverment a car that was second hand he gone Fla scott free but they here harrasing the brthers this is just not right
    • wize up (06/04/2016, 13:50) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ no justice: don't for get the cell phone bill that he ran up before running to Florida Scott free....it was no coincidence that Dave's contract was not renewed but he was allowed to simply leave the department and the territory scott free.....I am not that silly to think that only the black officers are guilty of wrong doing with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and I no racist???
  • legal team (05/04/2016, 21:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a sad day in the BVI,and the RVIPF, when law enforcement officers are accused of criminality.The most I can do at this time is wish the family,relatives and friends of these officers,well and hope they recover from this situation,and let justice take its course before the courts of law under the Constitution..
  • Mark (05/04/2016, 22:04) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Them wait for the last commissioner to leave before them drop the bomb becuz he himself would have been caught up in this. The thing that hurts me is the fact that these same officers was pushing up so much on the local man them and now look what the same UK officers doing to them. God really don't like ugly.
  • justice (05/04/2016, 22:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow that mean more police to get lock up
  • System a Fraud (06/04/2016, 03:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please nothing new under the sun. Justice is there cops so usual small jail time and fine if any at all. What a day if they shed light on the operations of the RVIPF heads, attorney general, politations, lawyers and the LOG. Wise up
  • Me (06/04/2016, 06:05) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    Alven James next
    • wize up (06/04/2016, 08:32) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ me: I second that motion.... If those guys start ratting we will have to be swearing in deputies off the street because 3/4 of the force gone(starting from the head down to the tail)... Let me also say this and who vex will simply stay vex: if these little black boys were able to pull off this type of curuption within that law enforcement department one can only imagine what the upper level management were able to pull off....the one fellow left the UK and came here to head the BVI police within his few years that fomer COP of this territory that fellow now owns private property in Florida; no more UK( advantage never done)...who is investigating the ones conducting these investigations(just a question).....
  • fire red (06/04/2016, 06:47) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    I always used to say da powers dude dnt move like no cop...he does move sly bad
  • cay (06/04/2016, 10:24) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    How much this case is costing?
  • B Savage (06/04/2016, 11:53) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    EDOMITE from England,black police officers circumventing the law to enrich themselves? OH YOU KNOW HOW THIS IS GOING TO END.
  • *Hmm (06/04/2016, 13:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So are there any operations currently investigating the gov? If not there should be
  • Hack (06/04/2016, 13:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The higher ups is going to get away but, the police, the lowest rank on the police force is going to take the weight for everything. This has been going on for the longest only difference is the older cops were more smarter, these cops these days is greedy.
    • SB (06/04/2016, 15:35) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      You absolutely right it goes on all over every force & theses pigs have no contrition at all. But atleast be smart and know your banking laws, infact they should of went to crime school but hey.
      • wize up (06/04/2016, 21:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ SB: dont forget to keep a close eye on customs both police & customs intercepts large quantities of drugs and large sums of money while execute their lawful duties...it is a good thing to see these officers being taken before the justice system for misconduct: the sad thing, only the civil servants are prosecuted while the politicians goes free
  • tretretrete (06/04/2016, 14:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope the courts also seize the proceeds of the crimes, if they are found guilty
  • Da.. (06/04/2016, 16:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Any police thiefting cocaine they don't need to be in the force and I hope when that bawl head one done do his time up Balsam Ghut he should need a new set of rentals.
  • look jail. (06/04/2016, 17:43) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    If they know they did the things they are accused of. Why didn't the bail put run when they can.. Foolish men..can't sorry for then. They should have more sense...
  • My life. (06/04/2016, 17:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Been an informant is risky and dangerous. Going to testify is suicidal...
  • RedRum (07/04/2016, 00:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a fact. These white cops protect white criminals. They have no mercy or sympathy for the black. I know. You see. Its our fault because we black we just talk we soft. We only got strength to fight each other...
  • VG-1 (07/04/2016, 08:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The $h!T has just start to hit the fan. I wonder when those guys from England gonna start on the politicians.
  • Torch (09/04/2016, 08:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This will shine a light on the RVIPF. I wish them a fair trial and that justice prevails.
  • insider (06/09/2018, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They stole the money for true... I hope they go to jail for their wrong doings. Especially the Jamaican one.


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