ST. JOHN'S Antigua, July 18th, 2012 -- The Office of National Drug & Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) is pleased to announce the historic achievement of the successful prosecution of the first standalone Money Laundering conviction in Antigua and Barbuda.
This conviction came as a result of a joint operation between the Customs and Excise Department and the ONDCP, when on 27th December 2011, at the VC Bird International Airport Paula Peterson, a St. Maarten resident of Dominican nationality arrived in Antigua aboard LIAT flight #369, and was discovered by Customs officers carrying a large sum of cash for which she made a false declaration. The sum involved was $60,406 US and $300. 00 EC.
Peterson was subsequently charged with 3 counts of money laundering and one count of making an untrue declaration to Customs. She was convicted on guilty pleas of engaging in money laundering and concealing money which she had reasonable grounds to suspect was derived from unlawful activity. She was also convicted on the charge making an untrue declaration to Customs. The money was forfeited and has been deposited into the Treasury.
The Director of the ONDCP, Lt. Col Edward Croft, wishes to recognize the efforts of the Customs and Excise Department, the members of the ONDCP Financial Investigations Department and the Director of Public Prosecutions for their contribution to this historic event.
The Director also pointed out that another case with similar features is presently before the Magistrate’s Court. The Director has expressed that he is pleased with this result and congratulates Team Antigua and Barbuda for this recent success.
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