KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 7, CMC — The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) says it has launched an internal review into the circumstances that led to the dismissal of a fraud case involving former employees of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).
The former TAJ workers, who were arrested in 2017, had faced multiple charges including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, falsification of records and larceny as a servant.
The matter remained before the court for nearly a decade and was plagued by repeated delays and adjournments before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court dismissed the case on Monday for want of prosecution.
In a statement, MOCA acknowledged the outcome of the proceedings and said it understood the public concern arising from the court’s ruling.
The agency said it remains committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of organised crime, fraud and corruption, while also ensuring fairness, due process and the timely administration of justice.
MOCA disclosed that it has begun an internal review into the management of the case and issues relating to court attendance in an effort to prevent a recurrence.
The agency said appropriate steps would be taken to ensure it continues to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity.
According to MOCA, the matter had been investigated by the Revenue Protection Division (RPD) and prosecuted jointly with MOCA’s Legal and Prosecutorial Department.
Fiats had been secured to allow legal officers from both agencies to prosecute the matter on behalf of the Crown.
MOCA said the case had experienced numerous delays over the years due to a range of circumstances, many of which were beyond the control of the prosecution.
The agency explained that when the matter came before the court on Monday, the prosecution had been prepared to proceed despite the absence of fiat counsel.
According to the statement, two counsel were reportedly ill while another was unable to attend court because of personal circumstances.
MOCA said those factors, coupled with the prolonged history of the case, appeared to have contributed directly to the court’s decision to terminate the matter.
The agency added that MOCA and its RPD partners are now consulting with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) regarding possible options moving forward.
It said the review process is also aimed at identifying any systemic weaknesses and implementing measures to avoid similar situations in future.
MOCA reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, fairness and the proper administration of justice in order to maintain public confidence.
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