A 43-year-old Santa Cruz man has been charged with fraud and money laundering involving payroll irregularities at the Port of Spain City Corporation.

He is the second person to be charged in the matter.

In a press release on Monday, the Trinidad and Tobago (TTPS) stated officers of the Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) charged a 43-year-old self-employed man from Upper Santa Cruz with Money Laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 11:27 on Sunday night.

He was formally charged by Woman Police Constable Williams of the FIB with Money Laundering, in connection with the unauthorised payments made to his account.

The TTPS stated that, between June and September 2024, the suspect was alleged to have received $14,964 in fraudulent payments, despite not being employed by the Corporation.

The release stated the second suspect was the common-law husband of the first suspect charged for defrauding the Corporation.

The first suspect, who was employed as a clerk at the Corporation was arrested on September 4 and charged with obtaining money by false pretence under the Larceny Act, Chapter 11:12, amounting to $29,174.50, and money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act for receiving $14,210.50 known to be criminal property.

The TTPS stated investigations into the pair began in September 2024, when irregularities were discovered on the Corporation’s payroll.

Detailing the investigation, the TTPS said, “Internal audits revealed that National Insurance System (NIS) deductions had been recorded for individuals not listed as employees during the relevant pay periods. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the clerk had manipulated the payroll system to authorise unauthorised salary payments. Funds were deposited into her personal bank account and also into an account belonging to her common-law partner.”

The investigation was led by Inspector Mohammed and supervised by Senior Superintendent Avinash Singh. Legal advice was provided by Sergeant Mings.