...Joseph Hibbert, businessman searched in int'l fraud investigation
December 10, 2008
A major international fraud investigation has led British law enforcement officials to the homes of a sitting government member of parliament and a well-known local businessman.
MP for East Rural St Andrew and State Minister in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Joseph Hibbert, and businessman Deryck Gibson had their St Andrew homes searched by law enforcement officials yesterday morning.
Up to last night, no details of the reason for the searches had been released and local police pointed The Gleaner to a senior British law enforcement agency which probes high-level fraud.
"The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) requested assistance under the Mutual Assistance Criminal Matters Act in respect of an investigation they are conducting," Karl Angell, communications director for the Jamaica Consta-bulary Force, told The Gleaner.
Angell said the operation was carried out at the orders of a Jamaican court but refused to provide any further detail.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding was equally terse as he addressed the matter at the opening of yesterday's sitting of Parliament.
He said the relevant government agencies were cooperating with the British authorities.
However, Golding noted that it was not yet established that hispolitical colleague, Hibbert, was suspected of any wrongdoing.
"I'm not now aware of any specific allegations that have been made, which may in any way implicate the member (Hibbert)," Golding told the House of Representatives.
"I am, Mr Speaker, naturally deeply concerned about this development. I have spoken personally with the member (Hibbert), who has denied any knowledge of, or involvement in any wrongdoing or illegal acts," he added.
Hibbert was not at home when the police team, armed with search warrants, raided the premises in an upscale neighbourhood.
He later told The Gleaner he would reserve comments until after a scheduled meeting with police officials today....
Author: Arthur Hall
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
