The case file which disappeared from the Solicitor General’s Department in 2020, resulting in the State having to pay a total of $20million to the nine formerly accused in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case, has been found.

In a statement on Monday evening, retired judge Stanley John, who was last week named by Attorney General Reginald Armour to lead the investigation into the disappearance of the file, confirmed that the document had been located earlier that day.

“I was this evening; the 6th February informed by the Solicitor General (Ag), Ms. Karleen Seenath that the file in question was today handed over to her.”

Mr. John added that he has immediately instructed that the Solicitor General (Ag) secure that file for collection by the Investigation Team.

“The re-appearance of this file forms part of this continuing investigation,” he said.

Last Wednesday, AG Armour revealed that the State did not mount a defence in the malicious prosecution suit filed by the nine men- which led to the High Court delivering a default ruling in favor of the formerly accused- because the file had disappeared and his office was therefore unaware of the matter.

“It seems incredulous. And it demands an explanation,” the AG said as he made the revelation.