Two Colombian nationals who were charged with ‘possession of a card making device’ and who had pleaded guilty, have now changed their plea to not guilty after they were charged with money laundering.
They are now on remand at the Dominica State Prison.
Andres Giovanny Giraldo Salamanca, a male from Colombia and Angie Marcela Garcia Garzon, a female also from Colombia were arrested and charged for the offence which the State alleges took place between April 29, 2017 and May 4, 2017.
However, since their guilty plea, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has slapped them with three money laundering charges and as a result, they have changed their previous guilty plea to not guilty.
The FIU is alleging, that the two did engage in money laundering by having in their possession US$6,034.00 (equivalent to EC$16,110.78) and that it was from the proceeds of crime or believing same to be the proceeds of crime.
They are also alleging that the two did engage in money laundering by having in their possession EC$10,440.00 and that it was from the proceeds of crime or believing same to be the proceeds of crime.
The other charge is that the two did engage in money laundering by having in their possession EC$7,000.00 and that it was from the proceeds of crime or believing same to be the proceeds of crime.
The matter has been adjourned to August 14, 2017.
They are represented by attorney at law Wayne Norde.
As usual, the Customs Division was never given any compliment for intercepting the two individuals at the airport.
What were those two Colombians doing in Dominica and with card making device? It appears they were up to something illegal.
They claim to be not guilty. Which Court of Law will believe that you are not guilty?
Too many criminals say they are not guilty when they are downright guilty. Bear the consequences of your actions.
Those are the criminals they have running wild in Dominica. All friends of the higherups. We hope there will be lots more caught especially our Dominicans. too much of this happening in our little island. I hope they go after the very rich drug lords also.
it’s assuming that on the grounds of “what” supposes to be that from the proceeds of crime or believing same to be the proceeds of crime…straight out, what crime is either drugs or some exchange either way it falls under laundering!
Banks are ripping you off black is white, but now it’s a crime to have large amounts of cash at your home or in your possession???
There must be more to this story than is being reported because if that’s all it takes to be arrested and put in jail awaiting your time in court, Dominica is turning into a very scary place to live.
Welcome to the crime Capital of the eastern Caribbean where you can get away with almost any crime . The Lawyers are sharks , swimming in bloody waters, they will sell there soul to make a $.