ONDCP Clarifies Role in Kenroy Christian Case: Provides Legal Representation, Not Leading Investigation
The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) is seeking to clarify its role in the recent case involving Mr. Kenroy Christian.
The ONDCP stated that it provided legal representation to the Police and did not lead the investigation.
According to the ONDCP, on June 15, 2022, members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda executed a search warrant at Mr. Christian’s residence and seized monies they considered to be suspicious.
Subsequently, a cash detention order was granted by the Magistrate on the application of the Director of the ONDCP, under the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act.
The ONDCP emphasized that while it is mandated to be formally brought in the Director’s name, the investigation remained under the jurisdiction of the Police.
The Legal Department of the ONDCP is instructed to provide legal assistance to the Police under the cash detention and forfeiture regime.
However, this does not convert the matter/investigation into an ONDCP case.
The ONDCP clarified that it did not execute a search warrant, seize any cash from Mr. Christian, conduct any interview with Mr. Christian, or conduct any other investigatory work in support of the case.
The ONDCP’s role was solely to provide legal representation to the Police in cash seizure and forfeiture matters, taking over from attorneys of the Ministry of Legal Affairs who previously represented the Police in such matters.
“The fact that the Legal Department of the ONDCP is instructed to provide legal assistance to the Police under the cash detention and forfeiture regime, does not in substance convert the matter/investigation into an ONDCP case, notwithstanding that it is mandated to be formally brought in the Director’s name.”
The ONDCP’s statement aims to clarify any confusion regarding its role in the Kenroy Christian case and to emphasize that it acted solely in a legal capacity on behalf of the Police, not as a leading investigative agency in the matter.
Editor’s Note- The ONDCP has called for a correction and retraction of the report below. We welcome the opportunity to provide more clarity on the exact role and functions of the ONDCP regarding cash seizures in Antigua & Barbuda. However, having read the statement of the ONDCP and referred to what was published below, we see no need for any correction or retraction. The order for the cash seizure was applied for by ONDCP and the magistrate’s order to return the cash was against the ONDCP. In the interest of fairness we have posted your position in the article above.
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