Accused money launderers back in court

A police officer and businessman accused of money laundering were back in court on Wednesday.

And while they were there for disclosure in relation to seven counts, an eighth charge, dating back to 2015 and estimated at nearly $1 million, was added to their charge sheet.

Constable Undwye Jean-Baptiste, 33, of No. 16 West Road Warrens, and Hasan Kareem Catlyn, 34, of Bridge Road, both in St Michael, were not required to plead to conspiring with each other to launder $942 779.07 and US$40 that were the proceeds of crime between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015.

Magistrate Douglas Frederick allowed their current bail conditions to continue, and ordered the two men, both represented by attorney Angella Mitchell-Gittens, to return to court on November 22.

It was alleged the two set up a shell landscaping company and accessed loans.

Catlyn, who had previously been on $100 000 bail, was accused of conspiring with Jean-Baptiste to commit money laundering sometime between January 1 and December 31, 2015; engaging in money laundering where he had money totalling $647, the proceeds of crime on October 24, 2013; and engaging in money laundering totalling $9 498 and US$40 on July 2, 2013.

Jean-Baptiste had been placed on $25 000 bail, made to surrender his travel documents and report to District “A” Police Station every Wednesday.

He had not been required to plead to engaging in money laundering where he received funds totalling $9 200, the proceeds of crime sometime between August 22, 2011 and July 30, 2012.

He had also been charged with aiding, counselling and conspiring with Catlyn to launder money between August 25, 2011, and July 30, 2012. (RA)