Staggering Amount: You Won’t Believe What These Contractors Tried to Deposit!

In a dramatic turn of events, two contractors found themselves standing before High Court Master Shabiki Cazabon facing charges of forgery, uttering a forged document, and attempting to deceive by false pretenses. Cyril Johnson, aged 61, and Canalia Martin, aged 43, hailing from D’Abadie, were each granted bail with a surety of $250,000. As part of their bail conditions, the accused were required to present themselves weekly at a specified police station.

The intricate web of deceit spun by the perpetrators unraveled on November 5th when they tried to swindle over $18.3 million using counterfeit documents. Armed with a government Paymaster Account Cheque worth $18,375,750 and a letter supposedly issued by the Ministry of Works dated October 4, 2024, requesting an advance payment of $500,000, the fraudsters attempted their scheme at a bank on Park Street in Port of Spain. However, eagle-eyed bank tellers quickly identified the fraudulent nature of the documents and promptly alerted the TTPS Fraud Squad.

Following the vigilant actions of the bank staff, a swift response from law enforcement ensued. An extensive investigation unfolded as officers interviewed multiple individuals, collected statements, and gathered crucial evidence. The diligent efforts of the authorities culminated in the apprehension of the suspects and the subsequent filing of charges against them.

Key Points:

• Cyril Johnson and Canalia Martin faced charges of forgery and attempting to defraud over $18.3 million.
• The accused were granted bail with specific conditions, including reporting weekly to a designated police station.
• Law enforcement authorities swiftly responded to the fraudulent attempt, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.

In a society where integrity is paramount, such brazen attempts to deceive and defraud must be met with swift and resolute action. The diligent work of the authorities in uncovering and thwarting this audacious scheme serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards. Let this case serve as a cautionary tale against engaging in deceitful practices and a testament to the vigilance of those tasked with upholding justice.