Ministry of Agriculture Employee charged with Forgery, granted bail

Trinidad and Tobago: An employee of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 on March 27, 2022 (Sunday), after he was charged with forgery.

Robert Mohammed was formally charged by Constable Khan on Saturday, for the offences of forgery and having in possession of a certain forged document namely a Commissioner of State Lands Authorization Letter in the name Robert Mohammed.

According to a police report, during the period April to December 2020, a senior officer at the office of the Commissioner of State Lands, received information and copies of documents purportedly issued and signed by the said senior officer, purportedly granting several persons permission to occupy State Lands, along with other documents authorizing an employee of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Commissioner of State Lands, to enter and inspect premises belonging to the state. The employee, namely Robert Mohammed was employed as a patrolman and was never authorized to act in the capacity as an inspector.

On March 24, 2022 (Thursday), a party of officers visited the residence of Robert Mohammed in Barataria, where they executed a search warrant, which allowed for the seizure of several alleged fraudulent documents. Acting on further information the officers also searched a community garbage bin in close proximity to the residence and recovered several documents purportedly issued by the office of the Commissioner of State Lands, and a stamp and seal.

The officers conducted further enquiries and on March 25 and March 26 2022, Robert Mohammed was further interviewed.

On March 26, Robert Mohammed was formerly charged by Constable Khan, for the offences of forgery, having in possession a certain forged document namely a Commissioner of State Lands Authorization Letter in the name Robert Mohammed.

Snr Supt Arlet Groome, ASP Lutchman and ASP Craig led the exercise, which was supervised by Cpl Trim.