In Brief
- Home raided: The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service executed a search warrant at the residence of Acting Chief Magistrate Brian Debideen as part of a multi-agency investigation.
- Serious allegations: The probe reportedly involves local and international authorities investigating alleged money laundering, fraud, and public corruption.
- Official silence: Citing the presumption of innocence and due process, the Judiciary issued a statement confirming it will not comment further on the ongoing investigation into one of its members.
In the interest of preserving the legal principle of due process, the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago is refraining from commenting on the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s (TTPS’s) raid of Acting Chief Magistrate Brian Debideen’s residence in Gulf View, San Fernando.
On Monday, it was reported the TTPS executed a search warrant at Debideen’s residence as part of a wider investigation involving local and international law enforcement agencies.
It was reported the alleged offences being investigated included money laundering, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, fraud, bribery and public corruption.
Debideen’s attorney, Prakash Ramadhar, confirmed a search warrant had been executed, with law enforcement seizing electronic devices from the residence.
He further stated that Debideen was cooperating with law enforcement.
On Tuesday morning, the Judiciary issued a media statement to clarify its position on the allegations against Debideen and the execution of the search warrant.
It stated, “The Judiciary recognises the importance of the core legal principles of due process, the presumption of innocence and that all persons are considered to be equal before the law.”
Refraining from casting assumptions to prevent any prejudice, the Judiciary stated it would therefore not comment on the investigation involving one of its members.
The Judiciary stated, “Given the nature of the matter, the Judiciary will refrain from further comment at this time to safeguard the fairness and integrity of any ongoing investigative or legal processes.”
