Money withdrawal leads to arrest

A man's alleged frustration with the banking system spiralled into a courtroom drama after he was accused of unlawful possession of property.

The man, who is named in court papers as Grant, denied the charge. Police stopped him on September 4 during a routine traffic check, discovering $1,472,250 and US$833 in his possession. Prosecutors claimed he gave contradictory accounts of how he acquired the money, first attributing it to the sale of a stolen vehicle and later to an auction that had occurred a week earlier.

However, Grant's attorney painted a different picture, arguing that his client's distrust in banks was at the heart of the matter.

"The money was pulled from Jamaica National Bank some time ago because he was denied a loan, and that is his reason for not trusting any bank anymore because there is no way I have money in the bank and you are tell me no! Gi me mi money!" the lawyer declared.

Presiding Judge Sanchia Burrell reacted with a mix of disbelief and dry wit.

"Yes, Mr Grant, when I think I've seen and heard everything, then I hear something like this," she said, shaking her head.

The Unlawful Possession of Property Act criminalises the possession of property that is known or suspected to have been stolen or obtained unlawfully. Burrell brought attention to the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which is a piece of legislation designed to combat financial crimes. The POCA imposes limits on cash transactions to no more than $1 million or individuals and entities in Jamaica, unless exceptions are granted by the responsible government minister.

In dismissing the matter, Burrell commended the arresting officer who she said demonstrated alertness, but said the outcome of the case is a "really good learning opportunity".

Prosecutors leaned heavily on POCA, which criminalises large cash transactions over $1 million unless reported or granted ministerial exemptions. Yet, Burrell quickly pointed out the shortcomings of their argument.

"If he says that he doesn't believe in the banking system, there is nothing in the law that prevents him from keeping his money at home and driving up and down with it and having it on his person. We actually have had persons in here who have lost their money because they believe in the bank of mattress," she said.

The judge acknowledged that the evidence presented did not connect the money to any illegal activity.