Ruel Reid, Fritz Pinnock among five arrested in corruption probe

October 09, 2019
A MOCA detective at Ruel Reid's house this morning. RICARDO MAKYN PHOTO

Former Education Minister Ruel Reid and two members of his family are among five people arrested in the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU)-Education Ministry corruption probe.

Law enforcement sources have listed the others arrested as Reid’s wife, Sharen, and their daughter, Sharelle. President of the Caribbean Maritime University Professor Fritz Pinnock and Brown’s Town Division Councillor Kim Brown Lawrence are the others who have been arrested.

The months-long probe involves the Major Organised Crime Agency (MOCA), the Financial Investigation Division (FID) and the Constabulary Financial Unit of the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Division (CTOC).

Agents of the Financial Investigation Division (FID), Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Constabulary Financial Unit of the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Division (CTOC) conducted joint predawn operations this morning at several locations.

Reid and Pinnock have been the subject of investigations into allegations of corruption, fraud and misappropriation of public funds involving the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

Searches were conducted at four locations in St Andrew, St Catherine and St Ann and the persons were arrested and taken into custody for further questioning. Additionally, several items were seized including documents and electronic devices.

IN PHOTOS:

ABOVE: President of the Caribbean Maritime University Professor Fritz Pinnock being taken into police custody. (Kenyon Hemans photo)

BELOW: A lawyer for disgraced former education minister Ruel Reid attempts to get answers about this morning's operations. (Ricardo Makyn photo)