The Trinidad Express newspaper reported Friday that warrants have been issued for the arrest of three senior public servants on charges of defrauding the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) of more than $.6 million between 2008 and 2010.
The report said one of the officials is on suspension and has similar matters before the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court.
In addition, it said a shop operator is also facing charges. It is alleged that he is the director of one of six bogus companies set up to receive more than $600,000 in VAT returns from the BIR.
The paper said all the bogus companies are from California, central Trinidad.
The Express said the accused have been charged with failing to comply with a notice given by the BIR to supply the books and records of the six companies.
The charges carry a maximum fine of $15,000 or two years imprisonment.
The paper said the three public servants face more than 60 charges each regarding their involvement in the alleged scheme. The shopkeep is facing six charges.
However, the most senior of the public servants told the Express he is not aware of any warrants for his arrest.
The paper did not name the official but said its reporter interviewed the person, who declined comment on whether he and other were questioned about illegal activities.
The report said one of the officials is on suspension and has similar matters before the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court.
In addition, it said a shop operator is also facing charges. It is alleged that he is the director of one of six bogus companies set up to receive more than $600,000 in VAT returns from the BIR.
The paper said all the bogus companies are from California, central Trinidad.
The Express said the accused have been charged with failing to comply with a notice given by the BIR to supply the books and records of the six companies.
The charges carry a maximum fine of $15,000 or two years imprisonment.
The paper said the three public servants face more than 60 charges each regarding their involvement in the alleged scheme. The shopkeep is facing six charges.
However, the most senior of the public servants told the Express he is not aware of any warrants for his arrest.
The paper did not name the official but said its reporter interviewed the person, who declined comment on whether he and other were questioned about illegal activities.
"I would want to reserve comment because I have not been informed or advised about this because I would have to make my enquiries because I am not aware with respect to myself and my wife especially if we have not been charged," the official was quoted as saying.
The paper also said it contacted a government minister who expressed shock over the matter.
The paper also said it contacted a government minister who expressed shock over the matter.
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