Fake customs agent pleads guilty to larceny

Renford Soares, who reportedly swindled persons out of $15 million by posing as an employee of the Jamaica Customs Agency and Kingston Wharves, pleaded guilty to a separate charge of larceny by trick in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Thursday.

The court heard that the complainant paid over $2.7 million to Soares, who informed him that he could assist in the importation of a Toyota Hiace motor car.

Rita Allen, who was holding on behalf of Soares’ attorney Orville Morgan, informed Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague that the defendant would not be making restitution to this complainant as he is not in a position to do so.

“He indicated that on the last time he was before the courts, Mr Morgan had indicated [no restitution], however, I advised that this is a different matter and it is a new matter. So his position, Your Honour, is that there is no room for restitution,” the lawyer submitted.

“He has prepared himself mentally for prison then?” the judge asked. “It would appear so,” Allen replied.

Soares was remanded in custody until April 25, when his other matters are to be mentioned. A fingerprint order was made.

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