By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has launched its second Fraud Squad office in six months, this time in Tobago.
The office, launched on March 28, is located at the Shirvan Road Police Station.
The TTPS issued a release on Wednesday informing the public that the office is open for service.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, White Collar Crime Division (WCCD), Wendell Lucas said with the new office, citizens, as well as officers of the Fraud Squad, will be able to benefit from fewer delays and more resources for the reporting and investigation of fraudulent activities in the Tobago Division.
He said, “What we can expect in the near future is a meaningful impact in investigations into reports of serious fraud, corrupt public officials, money laundering, terrorist financing and unexplained wealth, which are few of the targets of the WCCD.”
The Tobago Fraud Squad Office is the first of its kind on the island, the TTPS stated and is currently serviced by acting Corporal Jamila Joseph Francis and WPC Donna Bunbury.
The WCCD also comprises the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau and the Financial Investigations Bureau, which the ACP said would soon be joining the Fraud Squad in the Tobago Division.
Lucas added, “It is not only about the ability to build the investigative capacity on the island but to have the officers in the Tobago Division be exposed to more technical investigations, and so, strengthen their ability to investigate varied types of crimes.”
Senior Superintendent, Fraud Squad, Arlet Groome, who has been the pioneering brainchild of the establishment of the Tobago arm, said the office will foster a symbiotic relationship with the TTPS and wider community, particularly victims.
Groome said, “The Tobago office is more cost-effective when considering the fact of travel between the islands and providing food and accommodation for officers on multiple occasions. It also boosts efficiency in conducting and completing enquiries that impact Tobago as there are now dedicated officers to do so.”
He continued, “Our members are delighted to offer services to the people of Tobago. We see it as an improvement in the deployment of manpower to effectively deal with reports of fraud. Through enhanced community partnerships, we intend to raise awareness of fraud typologies which can positively impact crime prevention and reduction while impacting public trust and confidence through the professional execution of our duties.”
The Fraud Squad office can be contacted via email at fraud2@ttps.gov.tt or via telephone at 612-2470 ext 14139.
Last year October, the TTPS launched its Fraud Squad East Office at the Sangre Grande Police Station.
