A series of recent court outcomes has highlighted the strength of Jamaica’s border-security partnership involving the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the Financial Investigations Division (FID). The collaborative efforts—focused on detecting, investigating, and prosecuting breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)—have secured convictions, fines, and the forfeiture of significant sums of cash.
Cash forfeiture granted (Order by Consent):
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Senior Parish Judge Alicia McIntosh in the Sutton Street Parish Court ordered, by consent, that J$2,400,000 and US$1,900, plus any accrued interest, be forfeited to the Crown from Mr. Omar Reid, for breaches of Section 101A of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)
Two men attempting to depart Jamaica for Curaçao were prosecuted after declaring large sums of cash to Customs Officers:
- Lal Chowdary declared US$64,408, claiming it was received from a Montego Bay-based wholesale for goods supplied by his warehouse.
- Adesh Karin Seuraj, a Trinidadian businessman travelling with a minor, declared US$50,000, also claiming it was received from the same Montego Bay establishment in relation to goods supplied to a Curaçao-based company.
Both pleaded guilty under Section 101A POCA and were fined JMD $200,000 each by the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Court. In both matters, the seized cash was released as directed by the court, against receipts and in the presence of counsel. Both defendants were represented by Mr. Christopher Townsend.
Director of Investigation at Jamaica Customs, Cassell Dunkley, underscored the vigilance of frontline officers: “These incidents underscore the Agency’s commitment to protecting Jamaica’s financial system from abuse. We remind business persons that the payment of JMD $1,000,000 or more in cash is prohibited under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Even when broken into smaller sums, linked payments still constitute a breach. Carrying cash across borders is not illegal, but any amount over US$10,000 must be declared with clear proof of source and purpose. These safeguards are designed to deter money laundering and other illicit finance that threaten the integrity of our economy.”
Principal Director of Investigations at the FID, Keith Darien, highlighted the success of inter-agency cooperation: “These outcomes reflect the strength of Jamaica’s border-security partnership. The Customs Agency’s vigilance, the JCF’s operational support, and the FID’s investigative and asset-recovery expertise form a single, integrated response. Together, we are improving detection, interception and the successful prosecution of offences under POCA. We urge businesses and individuals to use regulated, traceable financial channels. Compliance not only protects you, it strengthens Jamaica’s defences against money laundering and related crimes.”
The FID reminds the public and private sector to adopt non-cash, regulated payment channels for significant transactions and to maintain robust record-keeping in line with Jamaica’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing framework. Persons with information related to suspected financial crimes are encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities.
About Section 101A of POCA
Cash transaction limit: It is illegal for non-permitted persons to conduct cash transactions of JMD $1,000,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) for specified purposes.
Prohibited uses: Includes payments for property or services, or to reduce debts/accounts payable.
Permitted persons & exemptions: Certain entities (e.g., banks) are exempt; the Minister may grant specific exemptions.
Anti-avoidance: Structuring or breaking up a large cash transaction to stay below the threshold is itself a breach.