MOCA reviewing matter relating to fraud case involving former TAJ employees after case dismissed

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) says it is reviewing the matter relating to a fraud case involving some former employees of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).

This in a bid to prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that led to the case being dismissed by the court on Monday.

The former TAJ workers were arrested in 2017 and slapped with multiple charges, including Conspiracy to Defraud, Forgery, Falsification of Records and Larceny as a Servant.

They were before the court for almost a decade, as the case suffered from several delays and adjournments over the years.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court freed the workers after the judge dismissed the case for want of prosecution.

In a statement, MOCA acknowledges the outcome of court proceedings, adding that it recognises the public concern that has arisen following the court’s decision to dismiss the charges.

MOCA says it is committed not only to the vigorous investigation and prosecution of serious organised crime, fraud and corruption, but also to the observance of fairness, due process and the timely administration of justice.

In light of the ruling, MOCA commenced an internal review of the case management and court attendance issues arising in this matter and will take appropriate next steps in order to ensure that the agency maintains the high standards of professionalism and integrity that are in keeping with Core Values.

Based on initial assessment, this case, which was investigated by the Revenue Protection Division (RPD), was prosecuted in conjunction with MOCA’s Legal and Prosecutorial Department.

As part of that process, fiats were obtained to allow legal officers employed to both agencies to prosecute the matter on behalf of the Crown.

Over a number of years, the matter has been affected by a range of delays due to a multiplicity of circumstances, many of which were outside the control of the prosecution.

The MOCA statement says when the case came before the court on Monday, May 4, the prosecution was in a position to proceed despite the fact that fiat counsel were unavailable to attend, with two being affected by illness and the other unable to attend court due to particular personal circumstances.

It states that these factors, when viewed against the background of the matter’s prolonged history, appear to have contributed directly to the court’s ruling in terminating the matter.

As a result, MOCA and RPD partners are in the process of consulting with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding potential options for the way forward, even as they collectively review the situation in order to identify any possible systemic learning and to prevent a recurrence.

MOCA says it remains committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, accountability, fairness and the proper administration of justice, in order to preserve and maintain high public confidence.