Central cop held in alleged car scam

An acting police corporal from central Trinidad has been detained and is assisting police in relation to a report of a stolen car, which he owned. However, evidence later suggested that he conspired with others to have it stolen and scrapped for insurance purposes.

On August 26, senior police sources confirmed that two male civilians from Carr Trace Extension in Carapo were also in custody in connection with the incident.

The detained policeman, attached to the Central Division Gang Unit, is facing several charges, including conspiracy to defraud a capital insurance company, misbehaviour in public office, tipping off a gang and wasteful employment of police time.

Police sources told Newsday that the detained officer has about 12 years of service.

Earlier this month, reports said, he parked his vehicle outside the Chaguanas Police Station. Sometime later in the day, he returned and discovered the vehicle was missing. He then reported it stolen.

Investigators from the Central Division investigated the matter and, a few days ago, arrested the two civilians after recovering parts of the stolen vehicle. Additional parts were later found in the division, in an area overgrown with bushes.

According to investigators, intelligence suggested that the policeman conspired to have his vehicle stolen, scrapped, and reassembled for insurance purposes.

The contracted parties were allegedly given a narrative to provide to police if arrested, which included claims of using a "flipper device."

This is a tool capable of copying a vehicle's code when it is unlocked.

No further information was provided, and the investigation is ongoing.