Passport Fraud Case Thrown Out by Judge

The case involving the alleged creation of fake passport bio pages has been dismissed by Judge Tunde Bakre.

The defense argued that the judge had no authority to try the case without a jury, and the judge agreed.

As a result, the accused, former police superintendent Ray John, his ex-partner Shakema Charles, and Vincentian resident Lonzel Jones, were discharged.

However, the prosecution has stated that it plans to retry the case in the next assizes.

WHAT DO WE KNOW?

The ongoing trial concerns their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to forge passport bio pages using unauthorized Multi-Layered Infilling Sheets.

The events allegedly took place between January 1 and April 7, 2018. Vincentian resident Lonzel Jones is also a co-defendant in the case.

Charles, a former employee of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, has been accused of conspiring with John to commit the crime. According to reports, John received 16 of the infilling sheets.

The defense lawyers, Hugh Marshall and Michael Archibald, had argued last

The evidence presented in court suggests that John and Charles provided infilling sheets and other documents to Jones in St Vincent.

John had reportedly contacted Jones sometime prior and hired him to create fake passport bio pages for persons wishing to purchase land, promising him substantial compensation.

Witness testimonies indicate that John asked a longtime police friend, Superintendent Lisborn Michael, who was traveling to St Vincent in April, to deliver an envelope to Jones without disclosing its contents.

 Jones then created the documents and delivered them to John’s nephew, Geraldo James, but Vincentian police intercepted the transaction.