The vehicle that was seized as part of a now dismissed fraud case involving Deputy Political Leader of the United National Congress David Lee and Firearms Dealer Hugh Leong Poi, has been returned by the T&T Police.
Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin tells TV6 News that he took the decision following legal advice.
00:00The vehicle that was seized as part of a now-dismissed fraud case involving deputy political leader of the United National Congress, David Lee, and firearms dealer Hugh Leong-Poi, has been returned by the T&T police.
00:15Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin tells TV6 News he took the decision following legal advice.
00:21Alicia Boucher has more.
00:23Three days after the general election, the T&T police service returned a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG that was confiscated by its owner.
00:34The vehicle was evidenced in a now-dismissed fraud case involving deputy political leader of the United National Congress, David Lee, and firearms dealer Hugh Leong-Poi.
00:43Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin tells TV6 News he made a decision to release the vehicle last week following conversations he had with the head of legal.
00:53Based on the recommendation of the senior superintendent of the CID, and based on that information, we looked at the facts, we looked at the different situations that existed at the time, and the length of time that the vehicle was in our possession.
01:08We also looked at the standing orders that governs how we should deal with this situation.
01:14We would take a decision based on what we believe is just fair and reasonable in this particular situation.
01:23Benjamin says all the protocols were followed and nothing prevented the decision from being made, adding that it is against the backdrop of the TTPS having the photographic evidence.
01:33Even in giving the vehicle back, it did not take away from the veracity of the offense, even if they seek to refile the present case.
01:47And the fact that, you know, photographs can be used both in a different situation and based on the SDO, the standing orders, we can still have a strong case no matter what.
01:59But what if the vehicle is sold? It's a question we pose to Benjamin.
02:04It depends on how we look at it, because if it is sold, I mean that there are money that are going to be collected in relation to that particular vehicle, that once we could be able to trace it, we can then, you know, at least have something as well in terms of the finances that came from the vehicle.
02:23But interestingly, TV6 News has been informed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin in charge of investigations that she only learned that the vehicle was returned to Lee at 3 p.m. on May 1st, and she has requested a report into what transpired, which she is awaiting.
02:40Benjamin admits that Martin should have been party to the discussions pertaining to the decision.
02:45And I think it's very unfortunate because the DCP should, the DCP and I should be informed as to what is happening.
02:54Lee was freed of fraud and misbehavior in office charges on April 7th.
02:59TV6 News also spoke to Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gasper, Senior Counsel, who says he was yet to receive the notes of evidence from the magistrate's court as they were not ready as yet.
03:10Gasper adds that the decision to return the vehicle had nothing to do with his office.
03:15In September 2022, Lee was jointly charged with Lee Ongpoy for conspiring to defraud the state of $1.4 million in vehicle tax revenue over the importation of the vehicle valued at over $2 million.
03:29Lee was accused of applying for tax exemptions, which he knew Lee Ongpoy did not qualify for.
03:35Lee has denied the charges.
03:38Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
03:40Well, today Lee confirmed being in receipt of the vehicle, but he said it was at a mechanic's shop as it hadn't been driven in three years and is in need of repairs.
03:53He tells the express the matter is in the hands of his attorneys.
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