Independent Inquiry Launched into Corruption Claims in British Virgin Islands

A British judge has been appointed to lead an independent inquiry into corruption claims in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a Caribbean territory plagued by allegations of state corruption and financial crime.

Scope of the Investigation

The probe will investigate claims that £5 million of public funds were misused, including:

• Reports of £700,000 being spent on a single school fence
• A policeman found with cocaine worth almost £200 million
• Concerns about government procurement, political interference in public appointments, and a “climate of fear” in public service

Additionally, the inquiry will look into allegations that a £30 million fund for families struggling with Covid-19 has been diverted to politicians’ allies.

UK Foreign Office Support

The UK Foreign Office is supporting the investigation, which is expected to report its findings within six months. The British Virgin Islands government believes it cannot cope with the scale of the problem, leading to the decision to bring in an independent investigator.

Reaction from Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has expressed “extreme concern” over the allegations and emphasized that the UK has a constitutional and moral duty to protect the interests of the island’s residents.

Leadership of the Inquiry

The inquiry will be led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, a British judge with extensive experience in corruption investigations. His appointment is expected to provide a sense of confidence and impartiality to the investigation process.

Overall, the independent inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations and bring about justice for the people of the British Virgin Islands.