Barbados Police Crack Down on Foreign Nationals Involved in Financial Crimes
Two Eastern Europeans Appear in Court Charged with Theft and Money Laundering
Barbadian authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating financial crimes committed by foreign nationals after two eastern European men appeared in court charged with theft and money laundering. Bulgarian Anton Nedev, 38, and Ukrainian Ruslan Leskev, 32, were remanded in police custody pending further investigation and are expected to return to court today when a translator is expected to be secured.
Skimming Investigation Yields Significant Findings
According to police reports, the duo was arrested after a search warrant was executed at their apartment on April 1 where a significant amount of money as well as articles and devices linked to skimming were seized. Skimming involves fraudulently copying credit or debit card details of unsuspecting cardholders.
Charges Include “Going Equipped” and Money Laundering
Nedev is facing additional charges including “going equipped” while both men are charged with going equipped and money laundering. This latest development brings the total number of foreign nationals charged with financial crimes in Barbados to several, following recent high-profile cases involving British and eastern European nationals.
Recent Cases Involve Credit Card Fraud and ATM Tampering
Last month, three British nationals pleaded guilty to credit card fraud after being arrested earlier this year. Michael Akinwale Akingbade, 33, Joseph Adedapo King, 30, and Mukhtar Mohamed Muctar Abbasheikh, 19, admitted to using stolen credit cards to purchase luxury items including Rolex watches from high-end stores.
Abbasheikh reportedly claimed he was acting under instructions from a south London gang and threatened with harm if he did not cooperate. A fourth suspect, Barbadian Melissa Latoya Cumberbatch, 30, who was arrested with the men, was released on $15,000 bail.
In February, police released images of two foreign nationals suspected of tampering with local ATMs but no further details were provided. The Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Barbados Police Force has received numerous complaints about customers’ bank accounts being compromised.
Authorities Vow to Continue Crackdown
The authorities are determined to continue cracking down on attempts by foreign nationals to engage in financial crimes in the country, ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike. The police have pledged to work tirelessly to combat financial crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key Points:
- Two eastern European men arrested and charged with theft and money laundering
- Search warrant executed at their apartment, yielding significant amount of money and skimming devices
- Charges include “going equipped” and money laundering
- Recent cases involve credit card fraud and ATM tampering
- Authorities committed to combating financial crime and bringing perpetrators to justice