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LISTEN: Pringle denies involvement in vehicle scandal, calls allegations political distraction

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LISTEN: Pringle denies involvement in vehicle scandal, calls allegations political distraction Leader of the Opposition Jamal Pringle is strongly denying claims that he is linked to the widening “Vehicle Gate” investigation, calling the allegations a deliberate attempt to distract from what he describes as deeper government corruption. According to reports, one of the vehicles flagged in the ongoing probe was allegedly transferred from Harney Motors—a company said to be central to the duty-free and fake tax exemption scheme—to a business entity owned by Pringle around December 2024. The reports suggest that Pringle’s company received one of the identical vehicles now being investigated, a connection that some allege ties him to a network accused of defrauding taxpayers through unauthorized duty-free concessions and political kickbacks. However, speaking on Progressive FM last night, Pringle dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated. The Opposition Leader said he has “absolutely nothing to hide” and insisted that his focus remains on ensuring transparency in the ongoing investigation. The Vehicle Gate scandal has already led to the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu, transfers of senior public officials, and growing calls for an independent inquiry into the alleged misuse of duty-free concessions for luxury vehicles.

Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle is strongly denying claims that he is linked to the widening “Vehicle Gate” investigation, calling the allegations a deliberate attempt to distract from what he describes as deeper government corruption.

According to reports, one of the vehicles flagged in the ongoing probe was allegedly transferred from Harney Motors—a company said to be central to the duty-free and fake tax exemption scheme—to a business entity owned by Pringle around December 2024.

The reports suggest that Pringle’s company received one of the identical vehicles now being investigated, a connection that some allege ties him to a network accused of defrauding taxpayers through unauthorized duty-free concessions and political kickbacks.

However, speaking on Progressive FM last night, Pringle dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

The Opposition Leader said he has “absolutely nothing to hide” and insisted that his focus remains on ensuring transparency in the ongoing investigation.

The Vehicle Gate scandal has already led to the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu, transfers of senior public officials, and growing calls for an independent inquiry into the alleged misuse of duty-free concessions for luxury vehicles.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/21/listen-pringle-denies-involvement-in-vehicle-scandal-calls-allegations-political-distraction. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (14)

  • Antigua Surf October 21, 2025, 7:49 AM

    Blah blah blah goes the black sheep. What else won’t empty vessels say? They may just be the biggest part of the entire vehicle scandal! Take everything for what it is
    Reply

  • Alec October 21, 2025, 7:50 AM

    Hmmm. Heated scandal in the history of Antigua and Barbuda. Who’s really doing the distraction here?
    Reply

  • Amethisyah October 21, 2025, 7:59 AM

    Gaston Brown is doing the distraction, its what he does best! If he, is man enough and innocent have the independent public enquiry! Its the only way this thing gets soledad.
    Reply

  • Faithful National # 1 October 21, 2025, 9:57 AM

    Everything will come out in the washing/rinsing! We’ll see!
    Reply

  • Tromos October 21, 2025, 2:34 PM

    Denying allegations is expected, but let the facts come out so citizens can judge for themselves.
    Reply

  • D Vaughn October 21, 2025, 2:38 PM

    BLA BLA BLA. You didnt have to come and explain anything. Gaston is simply looking for a scapegoat
    Reply

  • Trevor October 21, 2025, 2:39 PM

    Boy this country turning into one big car mart scandal. Every week is some new name pop up. Them better clean it up fast before election come!
    Reply

  • Tamia Burnes October 21, 2025, 2:40 PM

    Every time somebody start to talk about corruption, suddenly a new story pop up about the Opposition. This looking like pure smoke screen business.
    Reply

  • unruly one October 21, 2025, 3:41 PM

    Honestly, it’s not a bad idea. When managers go on leave or get transferred, everything falls apart. Deputies could help with stability.
    Reply

  • Apex Jones October 21, 2025, 5:49 PM

    Did we expect him to admit anything?
    Reply

    • #Stratetalk!!! October 21, 2025, 8:43 PM

      No, He cannot Dmitry to something if He is not involve in it. As he sais it is not RED or BLUE. It’s about right and wrong. If He had anything to hide, he would not be calling for a public inquiry. So let the chips fall where they may. The ball is in the Prme Minister’s court. If he truly wants transparency, let Rodney call a public inquiry into this huge scandal. But that we know will NEVER happen!!
      Reply

    • #Stratetalk!!! October 21, 2025, 8:44 PM

      Admit, sorry
      Reply

  • Leah October 21, 2025, 9:18 PM

    They always try to mash up the Opposition leader’s name whenever the government under pressure. Classic diversion tactic people not fooled anymore.
    Reply

  • Anonymous October 22, 2025, 8:45 AM

    LOL I always wondered how the UPP ended up in this one
    Reply

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