Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Alleged theft of law books from State…Prosecution closes case in Nandlall trial
The prosecution yesterday closed its case in the trial of former Attorney General and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall, who is charged with larceny in connection with 14 LexisNexis Law Reports of the Commonwealth.
Yesterday, when the matter was called before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Patrice Henry, stated that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendant for the offence.
Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall
The Magistrate, after listening to the prosecutor, adjourned the matter until July 10, for Defence Counsel Glen Hanoman and Euclin Gomes to lay over submissions on their client’s behalf.
It is alleged that Nandlall, between May 8 and May 29, 2015, at Georgetown, being a bailee, Attorney- General and Minister of Legal Affairs, and having 14 LexisNexis Law Reports of the Commonwealth, valued at $2.3M, property of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, fraudulently took or converted same to his own use and benefit.
On the last occasion, Special Superintendent Trevor Reid, who is attached to the SOCU, had testified as part of the prosecution’s case.
Reid told the court that responding to a report of an alleged larceny of 14 Law Reports of the Commonwealth books valued $2.3M, from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, he conducted an investigation.
Reid said that after conducting his investigation into the matter, he was handed several copies of certified payment vouchers related to the Law books from the period of 2012 to 2014. He said that on April 24, 2017, he contacted Anil Nandlall at the SOCU office, and later, in the presence of his (Nandlall’s) Attorneys, Glen Hanoman and Euclin Gomes, he questioned Nandlall in relation to the Law Reports of the Commonwealth for the said period.
Reid said that Nandlall indicated to him that the books were in his possession and that they were at the home of his wife.
Reid testified that Nandlall told him that his wife was overseas and that they were separated, but she would be in the country the following day (April 25) and he (Nandlall) would hand over the books on April 26. He was sent away with instructions to return the following day with the books.
On April 26, 2017, Nandlall reported to SOCU and when asked by Reid if he brought the books, he stated that he received an order from the High Court and that he would not be handing over the books, and handed him a copy of the court order, which was dated April 25.
Reid said that he reported to his superiors what had transpired between him and Nandlall and he was sent away.
Reid told the court that several other persons were questioned. He said he visited Republic Bank, through which the money was transferred to LexisNexis. He then made a written request to get the documents, which showed evidence of the money transfer. He received attachments, an invoice to LexisNexis, receipts, cheques and copies from the bank.
Reid added that he then conducted further investigations into the matter, after which he compiled a report and sent it to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who advised that Nandlall be charged.
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