The alleged theft of five laptop computers from Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) offices in Hope Road, St Andrew, has raised suspicions regarding the ongoing investigation into a multi-million-dollar fraud at the investment entity.
Chief technical director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID), Selvin Haye, dismissed claims circulating on social media that the break-in would hinder the probe. However, Haye refused to provide further details and redirected inquiries to the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which has assumed control of SSL through a temporary manager.
“It won’t,” Haye said, then declined to say anything more and directed the Jamaica Observer to the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which is now in charge of operations at SSL.
“The FSC has control of SSL through a temporary manager. Questions should be directed to the FSC. The FID should not be questioned at this time,” declared Haye.
Selvin Haye
Surprisingly, Keron Burrell, the executive director of the FSC, declined to comment when contacted by the media.
The break-in occurred just hours after the FID announced the submission of a new file seeking additional charges against the perpetrators to the ODPP. The investigation revealed that over 200 account holders had been fleeced of over US$30 million, a significant increase from the initial reported amount of US$12 million.
Opposition spokesperson on finance, Julian Robinson, expressed concern over the theft, raising questions about the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The theft jeopardizes the security of crucial information vital to the case.
Robinson called for a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the need for heightened stringent security measures to safeguard all assets and information related to the SSL case. The People’s National Party (PNP) urged the FID to take immediate action to protect the investigation’s integrity. It implored the Jamaica Constabulary Force to play a more active role in preserving crucial evidence.
As news of the break-in spread, cybersecurity consultant Trevor Forrest expressed confidence in the investigators. He believed the investigators likely backed up all relevant data stored on the stolen devices. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the evidence and the need for rigorous investigatory practices.
The head of the Police Communications Unit, SSP, confirmed the break-in but declined to confirm whether the laptop used by the company’s chief financial officer was stolen. To date, the authorities have arrested only one person, Jean-Ann Panton, in connection with the case. She is facing multiple charges related to the fraud. During a court hearing, the court remanded Panton until May 27, 2024, to allow her attorney time to review the extensive case files, which consist of close to 1,000 pages.