Convictions for Money Laundering After Multi-Agency Investigation
Fri, 2012-03-09
The Bermuda Police Service learned today of the verdict in a significant and complex money laundering case being tried in St. Vincent. This five year investigation was led by Detective Inspector Grant Tomkins of the Bermuda Police Service Financial Crime Unit that stemmed from a cash seizure off the sailboat ‘Jo-Tobin.’ The vessel was skippered by Bermudian Winston Robinson, which, having left Bermuda three weeks earlier, was intercepted entering St. Vincent by their Coastguard in April 2008. The vessel was discovered to contain approximately $1,700,000 in U.S. cash in hidden compartments.
The Serious Crimes Court in Kingstown, St. Vincent today convicted Robinson, along with Vincentian Antonio Gellizeau, for two offences of money laundering. The Senior Magistrate has remanded both defendants in custody for sentencing. A third subject, who was a crew member aboard the ‘Jo-Tobin’, was acquitted. A confiscation hearing will be set at a later date in the St. Vincent Supreme Court.
Acting Superintendent Sean Field-Lament of the Bermuda Police Service remarked, “This conviction resulted from a multi-agency cross border investigation with fellow law enforcement agencies in St. Vincent, Bermuda, U.S.A. and the Caribbean region. It underscores the value of joined up partnership working and highlights the value of shared intelligence. The Bermuda Police Service is grateful to all its partners and particular mention must be made of the role of the Bermuda Customs Department for their investigative assistance in this lengthy enquiry. Detective Inspector Tomkins and his team are to be commended for their perseverance and hard work.”
