Three police officers and a civilian were charged last night with a series of offences including conspiracy to defraud the Government, Misbehaviour in Public Office, and larceny of a police vehicle.

The persons charged were: Inspector Dean Antoine, presently on pre-retirement leave, 53, of Jackson Street Petit Bourg; PC Videsh Oudit, attached to Guapo Police Station, 32, St. John’s Trace Avocat, Fyzabad; PC Vishal Heeralal presently attached to Penal Criminal Investigations Department, 28, of Ralph Narine Trace, South Oropouche; and civilian Shane Veesh Heeralal, unemployed, 28, of St John’s Trace Avocat, Fyzabad.

Advice was sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Roger Gaspard, SC on Sunday 12th September 2021 and he advised that the following charges be proffered:

Insp Dean Antoine – 

* One count of Conspiracy to defraud the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

PC Videsh Oudit –

*  Two counts of Conspiracy to defraud the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

*  Ten counts of Misbehavior in Public Office.

PC Vishal Heeralal –

*  One count of Conspiracy to defraud the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

*  One Count of possession of stolen police vehicle PCZ 1508 (A marked police X Trail)

Shane Heeralal –

* One Count of Conspiracy to defraud the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

*  One count of possession of stolen police vehicle PCZ 1508 (A marked police X Trail)

It is alleged that the suspects were involved in an exercise where they would organize police escort duties for companies with trailer trucks. It is alleged that they used a marked police vehicle which was discovered missing from the fleet of TTPS vehicles. Investigations revealed that the monies from these transactions were not deposited to the relevant police stations.

The investigations were conducted by the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB), headed by Supt Suzette Martin, formerly of the Homicide Bureau.

Commissioner of Police (Ag), Mc Donald Jacob, said the arrest of the three police officers and the civilian followed extensive investigations conducted by the PSB.

He said other persons were arrested and charged months ago in what was regarded as an extra duty racket. The acting CoP said further investigations turned up additional evidence.

He assured that this investigation is continuing as more persons are likely to be charged. Mr. Jacob thanked the investigators for the job they have done so far.