by Devonne Cornelius
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Investigations into the passport scandal involving alleged fraudster Nigerian Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas are still ongoing.
“We are still waiting for information from the United States and that’s where we are with this matter,” said Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy in a telephone interview with WINN on Thursday (Jan. 06, 2022).
Commissioner Brandy said The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is collaborating with the United States Department of Homeland Security to carry out the investigation.
Are there any leads or suspects in St. Kitts and Nevis?
Commissioner Brandy’s response was “No…we are not allowed to say that before we get all the information from the United States. We have to go through our legal channels so we can get the proper documentation.”
Speaking at a press conference hosted by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris in October 2021, Commissioner Brandy told journalists “At present, we are seeking an MLAT (Mutual and Legal Agreement Treaty) to seek additional information from the U.S. and we have engaged our Director of Public Prosecutions to make that request on our behalf.”
The government of St. Kitts and Nevis had launched an investigation into the Nigerian fraudster and deactivated passport. “The matter of the revocation of Mr. Abbas’ citizenship has been put before our Attorney General for advice and guidance,” said Prime Minister Harris who also serves as National Security Minister.
Mr. Abbas was accused of bribing a St. Kitts and Nevis government official to assist him in obtaining a false marriage certificate to make him eligible for a passport.
