Opposition MP David Lee has broken his silence after being charged with two fraud offences, dismissing the allegations as a “political with hunt” spearheaded by the People’s National Movement.

Lee was arrested and charged on Friday with Misbehavior in Public Office and attempting to defraud the government.

It is linked to allegations that the Pointe-a-Pierre MP purchased a $2.3 million Mercedes-Benz on behalf of a UNC party financier, in order to access the $1.4 million in tax exemptions afforded to him as a Member for Parliament.

Lee, who also serves as Deputy Political Leader of the UNC, issued a statement on Saturday, maintaining his innocence.

“While these charges have been laid against me, it is important that Members of the Public are aware that the transaction in question was undertaken, as the evidence will show, within the confines of the law. To this very day, the vehicle is owned by me, the vehicle remains in my name, the vehicle’s insurance is in my name, the loan agreement is in my name as all documentation supports the fact that I am the owner of the vehicle in question,” Lee said.

He continued: “I have always been transparent with the ownership of this vehicle to the point that I have recorded it each year since its acquisition on my annual declaration to the Integrity Commission.”

He argued that the charges were a form of victimization, orchestrated by government. 

“Despite the coincidence that after spending the first few days of the week publicly exposing the Government on energy matters then to be charged on Friday, as if it was an act of suppression, I will continue to call this Government out with equal if not stronger vigor given the decimation, they have undertaken in our energy sector and national community,”  he offered.