The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer and another man were yesterday charged on several fraud-related offences after being accused of trying to defraud nearly $300,000 from Bank of The Bahamas last week.

Prosecutors allege that Duke Moss, 37, and RBDF officer Wilton Saunders, 38, conspired to commit fraud earlier this month and subsequently tried to fraudulently obtain $193,800 from Bank of The Bahamas on January 20.

It is further alleged that Moss had in his possession forged Royal Bank of Canada cheques, collectively amounting to $576,496, drawn on the account of Sun Oil Limited between December 13, 2021 and January 17.

Police said Moss uttered those forged documents during those same dates and further accused him of defrauding nearly $400,000 from Bank of The Bahamas.

The 37-year-old was further charged with money laundering offences and attempted money laundering.

Moss is accused of acquiring over $350,000 from Bank of The Bahamas between December 16, 2021 and January 14, while knowing the funds represented the proceeds of crime.

Police also alleged that he converted some $97,000 and transferred over $17,000 in funds to attain a 2014 Buick vehicle and five motor vehicles between January and December.

On the attempted money laundering charge, police alleged that he tried to possess $193,838 in money obtained from Bank of The Bahamas.

Yesterday’s arraignment comes after a video of a man showing off stacks of crisp cash circulated on social media on the weekend, purporting to be of the accused.

In the nearly 30 second clip, a man can be heard saying “we out here” before turning the camera on the driver, who then sticks up his middle finger.

During yesterday’s hearing, both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After they denied the allegations, prosecutor Sgt Vernon Pyfrom told the magistrate the Crown would not object to bail.

However, he requested both men be given sign in conditions and further asked for Moss to be outfitted with an ankle monitoring bracelet.

In response, Moss’ attorney objected to his client being outfitted with the electronic device, insisting he did not pose a “flight risk” and instead asked for his travel documents to be surrendered to the court, which was later granted.

Meanwhile, Saunders’ attorney sought to convince the court of her client’s innocence, saying it appeared he was being charged because of his association with Moss, who was later revealed to be his cousin.

The attorney also spoke on her client’s character, noting he was a father and RBDF officer who had recently been promoted because of his “integrity”.

In view of this, the attorney asked the prosecutor to review the case, arguing her client should have not been charged.

In respect to the viral video of the two men, defence lawyers explained to the court Saunders was off duty on the day in question and was just “riding around” with his cousin.

However, the prosecutor did not agree with the defence attorney’s arguments, saying there was sufficient evidence to prosecute both men.

As a result, Saunders was granted $9,500 bail with two sureties and ordered to report to the East Street South Police Station once a week.

Meanwhile, Moss was granted $200,000 bail with two or three sureties and ordered to report to the Elizabeth Estates Police Station twice a week.

The matter was adjourned to April 5 and 6 for trial.

In a separate hearing, Moss was further charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of a component part of a firearm.

He denied the firearm offences before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson​-Pratt and the matter was adjourned to today where a decision on bail is expected to be made.