Integrity Commission determines that Dr. Andrew Wheatley be charged in relation to allegations of illicit enrichment

The Integrity Commission has determined that Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Central, Dr. Andrew Wheatley be charged in relation to allegations of illicit enrichment.

The report from the commission was tabled in Parliament today.

The IC noted that it carried out an investigation into concerns that Dr. Wheatley, for the years 2013 to 2022, owns acquired assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings, made false statements in his statutory declarations, and failed to provide information requested from him by the Director of Information and Complaints, contrary to law.

The DI concluded that Dr. Wheatley acquired/owns assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings relevant period (2013 to 2022) in the amount of approximately $164 million and when given the opportunity to provide an explanation as to how he came by said assets, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.

The DI also concluded that Dr. Wheatley having filed his statutory declarations for the relevant period, failed to include in them at least 5 loans held in his name, his investment, by way of a down payment on land, a company in which he is a director and share holder, and full particulars of 20 properties solely and or jointly owned by him at the material time.

The DI further concluded that Dr. Wheatley’s filing of nil tax returns for the years 2011 and 2012, in respect of western medical, in circumstances where that entity was engaged in business and from Dr. Wheatley’s evidence, earned up to approximately $26 million, and his failure to file personal income tax returns, pose tax compliance concerns.

The Commission’s Director of Corruption Prosecution, reviewed the subject report and upon careful consideration, it was determined that Dr. Andrew Wheatley is to be charged for several offences.

The first for knowingly making a false statement in a statutory declaration, contrary to section 15 of the Parliamentary Integrity of Members Act, for the period 2013 to 2017.

The second is for knowingly making a false statement in a statutory declaration; contrary to section 43 of the Integrity Commission Act, for the period 2018 to 2022.

The third is for failing, without reasonable cause to provide any information as the Director of Information and Complaints on require; contrary to section 43 of the Integrity Commission Act.

And lastly, for illicit enrichment, contrary to section 14 of the Corruption Prevention Act.