A police sergeant attached to the Licensing and Certifying Office at the Springlands Police Station in Corentyne, Berbice, has reportedly implicated senior police officers in an alleged driver’s licence fraud scheme currently being investigated by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
The sergeant, identified as Sergeant Travis Witrite, was placed under close arrest after SOCU ranks intercepted motorcar PAG 3344, which he was driving.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a haversack containing 94 competency letters for various classes of vehicles, bearing the names of different individuals, none of whom were from the Springlands area.
Police also reportedly found $564,000 in cash and US$40 in the vehicle.
According to reports, the sergeant was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the items and was taken to the Springlands Licensing and Certifying Office, where a further search was conducted.
During that search, police reportedly found two additional competency books containing 61 competencies for different individuals and vehicle classes. The entries allegedly showed that some individuals had not completed the required practical examinations, despite certificates of competence already being prepared in their names.
The competency books and other documents used at the office were seized as part of the investigation.
During questioning about the alleged sale of driver’s licences, the sergeant reportedly told investigators that he was acting on behalf of several senior officers within the force and was required to pay more than $1.5 million in bribes each week.
Sheriff News Network understands that Witrite had previously been arrested by SOCU several months ago in connection with alleged corrupt practices. He was reportedly held at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) lockups before being released and later reinstated to oversee the issuance of driver’s licences at Springlands.
The investigation remains ongoing, and SOCU is reportedly expected to arrest additional police officers and civilians as the probe progresses.
