A joint operation, involving the Bermuda Police Service(BPS), the Department of Customs, the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard, and other key stakeholders, has resulted in the arrest of a 54-year-old United States national for money laundering offenses.
He was aboard a vessel which was intercepted and searchedunder the authority of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) warrant, on Monday, June 23, 2025. The vessel along with asignificant amount of cash found during the search, were seized.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Sherwin Joseph, who led the multi-agency operation stated, “This operation has dismantled a money laundering network, geared towards trafficking the proceeds of criminality to overseas territories, thus denying an organized crime group of their criminal proceeds. Laundering illicit finances can cause significant social and economic harm to our community by fuelling organized crime groups, supporting gang culture and causing harm to Bermuda’s national prosperity and international reputation.”
“This operation further demonstrates that our collaborativemechanisms are appropriate, and our existingprocesses/procedures to tackle Money Laundering are both effective, and remain in line with the Financial Action TaskForce (FATF) Global Standards and recommendations”
Ms. Lucinda Pearman, the Collector of Customs, added, “Thisoperation demonstrates a strong inter-agency cooperation as well as our ongoing efforts and unified approach to border security and enforcement. This seizure demonstrates the power of coordinated intelligence, operational vigilance, and inter-agency collaboration. We remain committed to protecting our financial systems and national security by identifying and intercepting illegal flows of money that undermine public trust and fund criminal enterprises. We commend all officers and agencies involved in this successful action. Their professionalism and dedication continue to ensure that our borders are not only secure but also resistant to financial crime.”
Coast Guard Commander Jeffrey Patterson commented, “The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard, is pleased to have supported the successful execution of this operation with Police and Customs. On a daily basis, we support agencies in the execution of their duties effectively serving as a force multiplier, all in service of our mission to protect Bermuda’s Interests”
The BPS Specialists Investigations Department will continue investigations.
No further information will be provided at this time.
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