JCF and FID Release Statement on the FBI’s Involvement in SSL Investigation; “FBI Involved in SSL Probe Since January” – See Post
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February 20, 2023
In a joint statement released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Financial Investigations Division (FID), in the case of the Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) investigation, the FBI’s (Federal Bureau of Investigations) participation in said case was disclosed.
The statement was a response to the recent surge of public outcry and criticism toward how the case is being run. The statement was meant to clear up suggestions that “there is a discrepancy between the public pronouncements of the Minister of Finance, the FID and CTOC regarding the involvement of the FBI in the probe.”
According to the statement, no such discrepancy exists, and “the FBI has been officially engaged in the SSL case since January 2023.”
The joint statement mentioned that on Friday, February 17, a press briefing was carried out by the head of the CTOC (Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime) branch of the JCF. The briefing spoke on the arrest and charges laid against Jean-Ann Panton (former wealth advisor of the SSL) for her involvement in the multi-billion dollar SSL fraud.
During the press conference, the CTOC head said that the FBI was not involved with the arrest and charge which was taken out of context. To clear up the matter, the joint statement sent out an apology from all the connected parties and said that the head of the CTOC was “referring specifically to the local aspects of the Fraud Squad investigation that lead to the initial charges against Ms Panton, and not to the wider dimensions of the SSL probe.”
Reiterating that the case is very “complex” because of the timeframe that the fraud was active, the number of transactions, and the variety of accounts affected, the statement reassured that the FBI’s assistance is beneficial because the case crosses over into multiple jurisdictions and needs “detailed forensic auditing.” It also sought to assure the public that all avenues are being explored to ensure that justice prevails and all responsible parties are held accountable.
RELATED: Jean-Ann Panton Charged for Multibillion-Dollar SSL Fraud
The SSL investigation is a corroboration between the CTOC, FID, FBI, and the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Curruption Agency (MOCA).
See the full statement below:
