Basseterre, St. Kitts — The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), working with its local, regional and international partners, has earned the Federation the ARIN-CARIB Best Case for International Cooperation Award 2025/2026 in recognition of an outstanding investigation into transnational financial crime.
The award was presented during the ARIN-CARIB Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Georgetown, Guyana, from July 15–16, 2026. It recognises the exceptional collaboration demonstrated during a complex investigation into ATM fraud and money laundering involving Brazilian nationals. The case showcased the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and cross-border cooperation in combating organised financial crime.
The investigation was led by the White Collar Crime Unit (WCCU) following the receipt of suspicious transaction reports by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). It involved close cooperation among numerous local agencies, including the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Financial Intelligence Unit, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Director of Public Prosecutions, JSOTT, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and other national partners.
The investigation also relied heavily on international cooperation through the Egmont Secure Web and the Asset Recovery Interagency Network – Caribbean (ARIN-CARIB), with valuable assistance provided by law enforcement and financial intelligence counterparts across the Caribbean, North America, South America, and Europe.
As a result of the investigation, a principal suspect pleaded guilty in May 2026 to money laundering and computer-related fraud. The Crown is pursuing the forfeiture and confiscation of criminal proceeds, with sentencing scheduled for July 29, 2026.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force extends its sincere appreciation to all local, regional, and international partners whose professionalism and cooperation contributed to this achievement. The award reflects the Federation’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime and reinforces the importance of international partnerships in protecting the integrity of the financial system.
