Wealth no shield in T&T crime crackdown

The Trinidad and Tobago government has defended an escalating crackdown on individuals accused of financing organised crime, insisting that wealth and social standing will not shield anyone from investigation as security forces continue operations under emergency powers.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said members of what she described as the country’s top 1 per cent remain fully subject to the law after police carried out raids on several upscale homes in western Port of Spain this week, resulting in multiple arrests. She indicated that further operations targeting alleged criminal financiers are expected.

The governing United National Congress has long accused the opposition People’s National Movement of protecting influential financiers allegedly linked by law enforcement to organised crime. Since returning to office, the administration has intensified its focus on dismantling what it says are networks of influence and financial support connected to criminal gangs, including individuals from the Syrian and Lebanese business community.

Authorities are relying on powers granted under the current state of emergency to conduct searches and detain suspects. Among those held is Natalie Harford, who was arrested in April following an order signed by Security Minister Roger Alexander. She remains in custody more than two months later.

In documents supporting her detention, Alexander alleged that Harford provided financial support to an organised criminal group planning retaliatory attacks using high powered rifles.

“The detainee provides cash support to fund the operations of the organized crime group, which intends to imminently carry out reprisal attacks on rivals in public spaces using high powered rifles,” the minister stated. He added that the detention was necessary to prevent violence and maintain public order.

Attorney General John Jeremie also defended the government’s actions during a recent parliamentary debate, arguing that investigators were acting within the law. He disclosed that several members of the business community had recently complained to him after the United States revoked their visas.

“We all know that our American friends have sophisticated means of intelligence gathering,” Jeremie told Parliament, suggesting the visa cancellations reflected security concerns identified by US authorities.

The Attorney General also accused the opposition of maintaining close political ties with influential members of the community under scrutiny, claiming, “They funded the PNM. They were revered by the PNM.”

Trinidad and Tobago has experienced persistent gang violence in recent years, recording about 600 murders annually. The government has sought intelligence support from the United States as it confronts organised crime, pointing to the country’s location just seven miles from Venezuela as an added security challenge.

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