…after Berbice rank caught with competency letters, $564,000
A police sergeant attached to the Licensing and Certifying Office at the Springlands Police Station, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six, was placed under close arrest to facilitate an ongoing probe by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) into the operations there.
Based on reports received, as part of the investigation, ranks from the unit visited the office on Thursday, where the relevant records and other documentation were secured for detailed examination.
As such, the sergeant attached to the office was subsequently placed under close arrest and is assisting investigators with the ongoing probe.
According to information received, officers attached to SOCU, acting on information received, intercepted a motorcar bearing registration number PAG 3344, which was at the time being driven by the police sergeant.
However, a search of the vehicle unearthed a black haversack containing 94 competence letters for different classes of vehicles and in separate persons ‘ names who were not from the Springlands Corentyne area but different parts of the county, along with $564,000 and US$40.
Upon questioning, he could not provide a reasonable account for having the money, and as such, he was taken back to the Springlands Police Station Certifying Office, where a search was carried out in the Certifying Office, which revealed two additional competence books with 61 competencies written for separate persons and classes of vehicles, showing that individuals did not complete the practical examination, but certificates of competence were already written in their names.
The said books, along with other books used at the said office, were seized. Further, the sergeant was questioned about selling licenses but indicated that he was doing it for several senior officers within the force and that he was required to pay out over $1.5 million in bribes weekly.
Guyana Times understands that he was arrested several months ago for corrupt practices by SOCU. At the time, he was reportedly placed in custody at TSU lockups and was allegedly released by the police commissioner.
He was reinstated to oversee the issuing of licenses at Springlands. His reinstatement reportedly put a halt to SOCU’s investigation.
Meanwhile, as the probe continues into this latest development, SOCU is expected to arrest other police officers and civilians in the coming days.
The Guyana Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, misconduct, and breaches of public trust. Any rank found culpable of criminal or disciplinary wrongdoing will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law and the Force’s disciplinary procedures.
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