By Alicia Chamely

FOLLOW the paper trail as to how this came to life again.

This was the cryptic message delivered by Minister of Housing David Lee when addressed by the media on Friday as he made his way into the Red House, Port of Spain.

On Tuesday, Lee was rearrested on one count of fraudulently obtaining tax exemptions on the purchase of a vehicle and one count of conspiracy to defraud. Businessman Hugh Leong Poi was also rearrested on fraud charges.

Lee and Leong Poi were granted bail in the amounts of $1 million and $ 500,000, respectively.

The two men were first arrested in September 2022 for the same charges in connection to the purchase of a vehicle for Leong Poi, using Lee’s ministerial tax exemptions.

On April 7, acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles ruled that the prosecution’s evidence did not cross the threshold to send it to the High Court for trial and the case was dismissed.

Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard indicated the DPP’s office would review the case and bring back the charges.

Speaking to the media, Lee said, “I am innocent of this second round. The first time I was cleared was on April 7 and it feels like double jeopardy in this matter with me.”

“Follow the paper trail of this came to life again and the timing of how it came to life,” he said.

Asked if he believed it best to resign from cabinet until the case had concluded, Lee said, “The prime minister has stood strong with me, she has maintained I am the Minister of Housing, my colleagues have supported me, and I am innocent until proven otherwise, and I do not feel at this point of time, my resignation is in play at this time.”

Indicating he had to get to the parliamentary chambers, he left saying, “I will say again, follow the paper trail.”

Adding, “I will have my day in court and I will be victorious once more.”