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Former Minister Donville Inniss Indicted for Money Laundering

Read the full document (INDICTMENT) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, August 6, 2018 Former Member of Barbados Parliament and Minister of Industry Indicted for Money Laundering Donville Inniss Allegedly Laundered Bribes through a Long Island Company A three-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Donville Inniss, a former member of the Parliament…

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Read the full document (INDICTMENT)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 6, 2018

Former Member of Barbados Parliament and Minister of Industry Indicted for Money Laundering

Donville Inniss Allegedly Laundered Bribes through a Long Island Company

A three-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Donville Inniss, a former member of the Parliament of Barbados and the Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development of Barbados, with conspiracy to launder money and money laundering.  The charges stem from Inniss’s acceptance of bribes from a Barbadian insurance company in 2015 and 2016 when he was a public official.  Inniss was arrested Friday and was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Julie Sneed in the Middle District of Florida at the federal courthouse in Tampa.  Inniss was released on a $50,000 bond.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the indictment.

According to the indictment, between August 2015 and April 2016, Inniss engaged in a scheme to accept approximately $36,000 in bribes from high-level executives of an insurance company headquartered in Barbados (“the Barbados Company”) and launder that money through the United States.  In exchange for the bribes, Inniss leveraged his position as the Minister of Industry to enable the Barbados Company to obtain two government contracts.  Inniss concealed the bribes by arranging to receive them through a dental company and a bank located in Elmont, New York.  Barbados Company executives transferred the funds to the dental company using an invoice falsely claiming that the payments were for consulting services.  During the time of the charged conspiracy, Inniss was a legal permanent resident of the United States residing in Tampa, Florida and Barbados.

“As charged in the indictment, Inniss abused his position of trust as a government official by taking bribes from a Barbadian company, then laundered the illicit funds through a bank and a dental company located in the Eastern District of New York,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “The Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable corrupt government officials here or abroad who use the U.S. financial system to facilitate their criminal conduct.”

“Donville Inniss allegedly used the U.S. financial system to launder bribes he received while serving as a government official in Barbados,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski.  “These charges demonstrate the commitment of the Department and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who seeks to use our financial system to promote or launder the corrupt proceeds of their crimes.”

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant United States Attorney Sylvia Shweder of the Eastern District of New York’s Business and Securities Fraud Section, and Trial Attorney Gerald M. Moody, Jr., of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

DONVILLE INNISS
Age:  52
Barbados

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-134 (KAM)

776 responses to “Former Minister Donville Inniss Indicted for Money Laundering”

  1. Gabriel Avatar
    Gabriel

    How much scarce foreign exchange did Donville consume as a permanent resident of the USA living in Barbados and serving as a Minister of Government.Who or what paid his American expenses.Is it true he has a top notch home with swimming pool there.If he bought it where did those funds emanate.Are his College attending kids not costing him US dollars aplenty.Is it true he has apartments in the US as well as in Barbados and drives a high cost Mercedes Benz.Now if he was CEO of his own business like Leo Leacock was,or like Felix Broome is or like Jeffrey Hoyte is or like Le Ron Gibbs is or like Rawle Brancker is or like Harold Hoyte is we would applaud him mightily.No sirree,this brand of krimmy null is not fit to be paid by our treasury any longer.He got to pay back we tax dollars.Be crime!!

  2. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    lol..don’t know if this photo is accurate, but this is the one going around about this much talked about Tampa condo. When you have no empathy for your own people, that lack of human kindness returns with a vengeance..

    https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/60bldDLAmRasHpOAtmlE_u9lWtsFo-34ZcBo7yqa33A4YOG6-lFN0pz_TwVLpb51DG3IFiueZlM=w195-h260-n

  3. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Hal Austin August 7, 2018 7:49 AM “All this information came out of the embassy. That is why they have so many law enforcement officers posing as diplomats.

    So wait you believe that the only diplomat is an egg head with a Phd from Harvard? I am sure that the Barbados government can tell you that all the diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados are properly accredited diplomats.

    The boys [and girls] may know a thing or two about law enforcement. Somebody has to have the know-how to deal with the drugs and thugs. And some of those Harvard egg heads know a thing or two about law enforcement too. Lolll!!!

    And I bet that the British High Commission is doing exactly the same thing.

    The U.S. charged Donville with breaking their financial laws, as they have a right to do. Whether or not Barbados charges him with breaking any Barbados laws is entirely up t Barbados.

  4. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right August 7, 2018 5:24 AM “I just wondering what you would do if in her shoes.”

    if I was in Mia’s shoes right now, and I am glad that I am not, I would do the easiest, smartest thing.

    NOTHING.

    Because sure as God makes little green apples, the Feds are watching all of Donville’s communications.

    If I was advising Donville, the only communications I would have would be to tell my wife and children that I love them. And to communicate with my lawyer, but only face to face.

  5. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    We will see what the Mia government does…all her promises and words are being tested.

    Ah see the failed blogmaster is freaking out, ah wonder if he or she got skin in the corruption game or the drugs and guns game on the island…it is all types of maggots will crawl out in fright..l…ah only want to see them locked up, knocked off their pedestals of deceit and criminality..lol

  6. sirfuzzy Avatar
    sirfuzzy

    David August 7, 2018 4:00 PM

    @Bush Tea

    All it takes often times is a few good men.

    I to would like to think that is the case, but reality pinches me hard and whispers in my ear, ” Remember they choose Barabbas over Jesus in the final analysis”. If we think we have this …… in our DNA does it get any better than this?

  7. bajans Avatar
    bajans

    @helen K-R

    Well, Well protests in strident tones on August 7, 2018 at 1:10 . Here’s Welly:

    “Never had mental health issues … I do believe you have the wrong Well Well.

    I, though, do believe I have the right Well Well. Archived, recorded, and properly sourced for eternity. Here’s Welly on May 24, 2013 at8:57 AM:

    “I will not shed a tear when Tel Aviv is finally flattened and wiped off the map”.

    I, too, will not shed a tear. Now, go have kittens.

  8. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Stuepse dont understand how i throw Inniss under any bus
    Far from it a suggetion to Innis was made as a job offer and you Piece called that a stabbing of the back by me
    Piece you are the proverbial mischief maker

  9. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Stuepse dont understand how i throw Inniss under any bus
    Far from it a suggetion to Innis was made as a job offer and you Piece called that a stabbing of the back by me
    Piece you are the proverbial mischief maker

  10. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Proceeds from illicit activities abroad are being laundered through Barbados, according to the latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.
    The United States report, dated March 2018, said the information was based on a review done last year.
    “Narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and firearms trafficking are major sources of illicit funds in the country. In addition to the use of financial institutions, money is laundered through a variety of businesses and through the purchase of real estate, vehicles, vessels, and jewellery,” said the 215-page report, which pointed out that “bearer shares are not permitted [and] there are no free trade zones and no domestic or offshore casinos”.
    Barbados was one of 92 countries examined under the money laundering and financial crimes section of the 2018 report, which included the United States, as well as several Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines and the United States Virgin Island.(Quote)

  11. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Inniss is a likeable guy so much so that the blp yardfowls admire his tenacity when he made no bones crticizing PM Stuart
    He made a huge error in judgement when he lay side by side with mangey dogs and catch their flies
    My response to that error advisingly was one of telling Inniss to chirp chirp singing like a bird

  12. Former Minister Donville Inniss Indicted for Money Laundering — Barbados Underground – INDEPENDENT REPORTERS

    […] via Former Minister Donville Inniss Indicted for Money Laundering — Barbados Underground […]

  13. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    My inly problem with Innis was his long winded talking ir grabbing the spotlight
    He also reminded me of a brown noser the kind u find on BU hungry for acceptance from a certain race or class
    Many times i think to myself boy inniss you better shut up cause one day that mout gonna get u
    in a whole lot of trouble.
    Which brings me to memory that open spat he had with David Commisiiong.ha ha ha ….
    If only he had taken my free advise

  14. T.Inniss Avatar
    T.Inniss

    How convenient it is for Charles Herbert and Mia Mottley for this charge to come at this time.

    But we shall see what we shall see.

    I notice all the old negative donville articles suddenly appear.Strange how there are none for Mia and the BLP angels.

    Put not your trust in princes or in chariots but be guided by that moral compass always.

    James Greene @ 3:47 p.m.

    You are right to enquire about this new BLP mantra that the DLP destroyed Bdos from 2008 to 2018.What a laugh.But guess what – facts are stubborn things my friend.

  15. James Greene Avatar
    James Greene

    @Hal

    and of all those countries reviewed only Cuba passed

  16. David Avatar
    David

    Unfortunately for Inniss this is the ‘break’ mmany have been waiting for to give impetus to the anti corruption message. Analogous to the Herbert/GEL issue and those pushing the two Barbadoses narrative.

  17. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Hal Austin August 7, 2018 12:53 PM “By the way, there is an aerial picture of a house which purports to be Donville’s home. Can we get a local estate agent to value it?”

    A google search will get you the information. It is a fairly modest, less than 1100 square foot condominium, and the pool is a shared swimming pool. If you goodle the address given in the indictment you will see the house variously valued at between $75,000USD and $175.000 USD.

    Not a mansion.

  18. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    T. Inniss let not your heart be troubled
    The BLP Mantra was Mia honna Fix it
    So far all she fixed was doubling up on taxes
    Nothing more nothing new
    Just relax everything in its due time
    Inniss charges might turn out to be a blessing in disguise having the rats seeking new haven
    You can bet the silence of Iniss is sending shock waves in every nook and crannie that is situated in barbados
    Needless to say that Inniss saying nothing means a whole lot of everything to those whose have crossed his paths

  19. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    ” Prime Minister Mia Mottley released a statement to the media this evening “

  20. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/183832/mia-clears-air-ross-relocation

  21. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    The traditional way of laundering bribe money in Barbados is to build apartments in the crook’s mother’s name or in some cases the wife’s name and thereafter bank the rents as clean income. The authorities normally refuse to check where the money to build comes from in the first place. The crooks are therefore safe.

    However, if you choose to diversify the portfolio be careful not to let the money pass through the USA. Please note that this scenario is only an instruction manual and not referring to any particular case.

    Sent from my iPad

  22. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    “He made a huge error in judgement when he lay side by side with mangey dogs and catch their flies.”

    Now I wonder who those mangy dawgs would be….lol.

    Bajans..that failed blog master thinks someone gives two shits about Is(not)Rael..people who live in US most are just waiting to see the mushroom cloud hanging over that pile of sand they stole…..whenever they provoke that reaction in the middle east.

  23. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    We warned them..we told them whenever they are kicked out of parliament we hope they don’t think they can fly off into the sunset with the proceeds of their crimes and live happily ever after, we told them about the agency that was set up just for them…we told them.

    Ah want to see the next one with the balls to fly out and access any laundered only.

  24. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Yeap and the Dominicans cussing Mia stink stink some even calling her a traitor boldface and devious with one Trinidadian judge Herbert Volneycalling Mias action a declaration of war against Dominica
    Mia cries for Unity between the carribbean community were met with thunderous applause with her first meeting when she addresed the Caricom heads of State.

  25. John Avatar
    John

    Caswell Franklyn
    August 7, 2018 7:24 PM

    The traditional way of laundering bribe money in Barbados is to build apartments in the crook’s mother’s name or in some cases the wife’s name and thereafter bank the rents as clean income. The authorities normally refuse to check where the money to build comes from in the first place. The crooks are therefore safe.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    With my tongue firmly in my cheek, how many apartments does your wife or mother own?

  26. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    Stop trying to change the subject..Mia did nothing wrong, worry about Dumbville, that one is not going away for a while, it has to be processed through the federal system, federal lockup is a thing, lawyers will get rich.

  27. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    T Inniss you finally found your voice,this issue is about Mr Inniss do not try to divert it by bringing in Ms motley or the BLP.Mr Inniss who is probably your relative is in trouble,as the US is not Barbados where friends cover for one another.Persons such as mr Stanford and the like have been locked up.However Mr Inniss is innocent until proven otherwise,but persons like Ms Moore ,and Mr mcDowall must be smiling ,along with those BIDc workers whom were forced into early retirement.As they say karma is a bitch,and Mr Inniss came over to me as very arrogant,so let the chips fall where the will.Therefore Mr T Inniss deal with the issue at hand and stop trying to shift the goal posts as it will not work after all you ,Mariposa and Piece had to say about Mr Herbert,who must also be smiling.

  28. John Avatar
    John

    Compared with the amount of the National debt of Barbados, $15 billion, the sums in Donville’s transgressions seem trifling.

    Obviously, he is the tip of the iceberg.

    Suppose Donville turns state’s evidence in exchange for leniency, and starts naming names!!!

    He could bring down the BLP government on his own.

    Perhaps that is his mission.

    Can’t see him travelling to the US if he knew what he had done could be interpreted as illegal in the US.

    Some say he is dumb, but perhaps he could go from zero to hero overnight!!

    So, what if he isn’t so dumb at all?

  29. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Hal Austin
    August 7, 2018 6:01 PM

    Hal, did the report mention the largest and most successful money laundering operation of all time, Las Vegas?

  30. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    CBC News report stated if found guilty, Inniss faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.

  31. Piece Uh De Rock Yeah RIght Avatar
    Piece Uh De Rock Yeah RIght

    @ T. Inniss

    You said and I quote “…How convenient it is for Charles Herbert and Mia Mottley for this charge to come at this time…”

    You guys would never be material for Recon you have no staying power and lack what is needed to make your virtual environments work for you.

    And you have no unity nor is there a core value that drives the collective.

    You are in a BLOG where for the most part you decide the rules of engagement BARRING THE INTERVENTION of a biased Blogmaster or a virtual tag team to run interference, you decide where an article goes.

    I look at the efforts that you make here by yourself and I say “by himself, he shows some good insights in a matter”, but then you get ammmmm distracted and you dissipate and there is no one to come to your relief.

    This is an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses individually and collectively.

    You don’t have the girth to engage RATHER the raw materials are there but you are not crafting it properly

    And this has been the weakness of the DLP as it is the weakness of the BLP

    Let me assist you to assist Barbados.

    Mia’s weakness which Talking Loud Saying Nothing pointed out is in her inability to deliver in the 6 month period that THE IMF requires

    What therefore you and a tight cohort of Gideon’s army so to speak need to do is to find the shortcomings and expose them AT TODAY.

    what are these shortcomings?

    The list of names of the extended family that she is bringing on board, their salaries, the conditions of their hire, let de ole man dub it the “Many Salary Crew”.

    And like you guys had the Fatted Calf, I would calls here the Fatted Sea Cow something like a Manatee

    https://i.imgur.com/3ofAiBU.png

    Now de ole man is going to see how smart you are with the image provided.

    Wunna loose because you became disconnected from the people AND MIA WILL LOSE WHEN SHE FORGETS HER COVENANT which was not make between her and Man/bajan.

    But the same way that wunna DLP/BLP like to expose what is being done wrong YOU HAVE TO SHOW WHAT HAS TO BE DONE RIGHT

    T. Inniss, AFTER MAY 24th 2018, there is no other way that either you or the BLP can approach bajans other than by “delivering the goods”.

    The population is tired of both of you and your empty promises SO WHOEVER BRINGS FOOD TO THE TABLE will be respected as the hunter gatherer.

    And Bajans ent interested in the Election gimmicks.

    We dun know that elections dun and now we want solid food.

    And T. Inniss de ole man ent really helping neider of wunna all I ants to do is improve barbados IN SPITE OF WUNNA.

    There are going to be alot more Donville’s which the respective governments are not going to share with wunna but going spring pun both of wunna badwords MARK DE OLE MAN WORDS

  32. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    It’s in his best interest not to be dumb going forward, the US is far different to anything he is used to, he has lawyers to guide him, it will be quite the experience.

    So glad to see so many worried, am sure Dumbville can should down both Cartels on the island from where he sits right now..lol..let’s see just how smart he is..

  33. Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right Avatar
    Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right

    @ the Honourable Blogmaster

    Your assistance Please with an item

  34. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    am sure Dumbville can SHUT DOWN both Cartels on the island from where he sits right now.

  35. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Nobody stopping u from talking about Inniss
    But i sure as hell allow u to choose my preference of topic
    Mia have the Caricom community up in arms and throwing mud in barbados direction saying that Barbados kick Dominica when it was down when the people of Dominica need help the most
    Oh how memory serves it purpose when after the hurricane
    Mia rant and raved about govt past efforts in slow to help Dominicans
    Now who would have thought that Mia would be first in line to serve herself from what was left of the devastation of Dominica
    Indeed what a cruel people some bajan leaders have become climbing all the way to the bottom of the barrell to kick a friend when they are down.

  36. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Well, Well
    August 7, 2018 8:04 PM

    How smart he is? Not a matter of that. He has no choice but to cooperate fully. Very likely you can very much expect the men in suits to be arriving at GAIA sometime soon, to collect persons of interest.

    Inniss will take a plea and go home.

  37. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    John August 7, 2018 7:51 PM Obviously, he is the tip of the iceberg.
    Suppose Donville turns state’s evidence in exchange for leniency, and starts naming names!!!

    John, what do you think the whole point of the indictment is? That is exactly. it.

  38. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    It really is a good thing, I can see the positive in this.

    ignore the old exyardfowl rattling on about some nonsense, the men in suits should take her back to the US whenever they turn up., they would know just what to do with that nuisance.

  39. John Avatar
    John

    Donville could bring money laundering and graft in Barbados to a screeching halt.

    No need for Mia to do anything!!

  40. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    John

    No one would bribe me; my mouth is too big, ask Bushie.

    Sent from my iPad

  41. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    I’m at a loss.

    What else has Inniss done other than what was outlined on his charge sheet?

    The information clearly mentioned him accepting bribes from an insurance company and using his influence as a minister of government to authorise the awarding of an insurance contract with the said company………for a department that was under his portfolio.

    Are we suggesting other former DLP ministers were involved in taking bribes from this particular company or Inniss was acting on behalf of others…….for a paltry sum of $36,000?

  42. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    Some people catch on at a. slower pace, I been saying that all morning.

  43. Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right Avatar
    Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right

    @ John the Quaker

    You said and I quote “…Donville could bring money laundering and graft in Barbados to a screeching halt…”

    And why would the ballsless Donville do that?

    He did not have the balls to bring the incompetent DLP government of Fumbles Stuart to a “screeching halt” when that man had us in such purgatory so why would he do that now?

    I know that some of you will tell de ole man dat it is because Pornville was not under threat of being locked up (IN BARBADOS)

    But, from the way things looking now in Barbados, ALL THE MONEY HE HAD WOULD NOT HAVE HELPED us in the purgatory of the Devaluation.

    The one that Mia paused for a few months.

  44. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    It is truly amazing that no businesses in Barbados have been investigated for money laundering.

    The owners must be the most squeaky clean people on the planet.

    Maybe that will change.

  45. Well, Well Avatar
    Well, Well

    “No one would bribe me; my mouth is too big, ask Bushie.”

    hahaha!!!

  46. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Hants
    August 7, 2018 8:34 PM

    It is so obvious who have been the biggest launderers for years and which businesses. Any Barbadian can tell you.

    My wonder is where do they put the money outside of the island and how…we know ‘how’ they get it out too, but how as in how after it leaves the island, given the AML laws worldwide.

  47. Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right Avatar
    Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right

    @ The Honourable Blogmaster

    Your assistance with an item to T. Inniss about how to up his game

  48. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    David not going touch the latest story of Mia causing division among the caricom community by outwardly using her influence to undermine Dominica economic interest intercepting Dominica and the Ross agreement so barbados can benefit

  49. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    PUDRYR

    The conspiracy theorists have come out in their numbers to spew nonsense. Hence the reason I asked if Inniss committed any other crimes that were not listed on his charge sheet.

    To suggest Inniss’ act of accepting bribes “could bring down the BLP government” is ludicrous.

    What other evidence do people have to imply Inniss’ actions would implicate other former DLP ministers or ministers of this current BLP administration?

    Unless he decides to inform on his colleagues that also allegedly accepted bribes, for example, from CAHILL or from the construction projects awarded to Mark Maloney.

    But this would be outside the USA’s jurisdiction?

  50. Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right Avatar
    Piece Uh De Rock Yeah Right

    @ Mariposa

    The next thing de ole man expects you to say is that “you know for a fact that Mia and her obeah man went off the beach at St Philip’s Lighthouse at 12 midnight on the last full moon and prayed for a hurricane to hit Dominica.

    This was not poaching

    Mia says in her newspaper representation of the “factual matrix” ( I like dat for de grandson “factual matrix” It sounds better than “fake news” heheheheh)

    “…In all our discussions with Ross, it was stressed, ad nauseam, the impact the move would have on Dominica and the Dominican economy and the clear need to mitigate any fall out…”

    A reasonal assessment of the fall out mitigation would be that the Ross University agrees to providing the Government of Dominica a guaranteed “x” number of student slots for “y” years to include tuition fees and other campus expenses.

    That is only reasonable

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