Two charged in multi-million dollar theft of pharmaceuticals and Covid-19 supplies

Former employees of the Ministry of Health’s Material Management Unit (MMU) have been charged with multiple counts of money laundering in connection with a large-scale theft of pharmaceutical and COVID-19 testing supplies.

The charges were brought forward by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) after a detailed investigation into the missing items, which were allegedly sold for personal gain.

The individuals charged are:

• Terrence Williams, a 26-year-old miner from Lot 123, Farm, East Bank Demerara, and
• Kerron Webster, a 29-year-old resident of Lot 344, Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

Both men were formerly employed at the MMU bond, located at 1st Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, where they are accused of stealing a significant amount of pharmaceutical products and Covid-19 testing kits.

Webster appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at Georgetown Magistrate’s Court #5, where he was formally charged with three counts of money laundering. The charge, laid under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, alleges that Webster knowingly or reasonably believed that the property he handled was the proceeds of crime, and that he converted, transferred, or used it to conceal its illicit origin.

Webster was granted bail in the sum of GYD 100,000, and his case has been adjourned until 6th December 2024 for further reporting.

Terrence Williams, who faces two counts of money laundering, did not appear in court. His cases have been postponed to 22nd November and 9th December 2024, respectively, for the charges to be formally read. Williams is currently serving a three-year sentence at Lusignan Prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition, an offence linked to the ongoing money laundering investigations.

SOCU’s investigation uncovered a network of criminal activity involving the two men while they worked at the MMU. Allegations surfaced that Williams and Webster had stolen large quantities of pharmaceutical supplies and Covid-19 testing kits from the MMU’s stock. The stolen items were then sold, and the proceeds were allegedly used for personal enrichment.

The matter was first reported to the Golden Grove Police Station, leading to a search of the suspects’ premises. During the search, officers discovered a .38 pistol, matching rounds of ammunition, over four million five hundred thousand dollars (GYD 4,580,000) in local currency, and over five thousand seven hundred US dollars (USD 5,760).

Following the discovery, Williams was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence, to which he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to three years in prison for the offence.

As part of the wider investigation, SOCU conducted an audit at the MMU Drug Bond, which revealed that over GYD 343 million worth of pharmaceutical items, including drugs and testing kits, were unaccounted for. SOCU confirmed that both Williams and Webster had unrestricted access to the bond’s stock and exploited their positions to facilitate the theft.

SOCU has indicated that it is also pursuing the forfeiture of assets belonging to the accused duo, with further investigations into the full extent of their alleged crimes continuing.

The case has raised serious concerns about the security of government supplies and the abuse of authority by public servants. Authorities have urged other potential victims of similar thefts or frauds to come forward as investigations unfold.

The legal process is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with both men facing significant charges that could lead to lengthy prison sentences. SOCU has vowed to pursue all avenues in bringing those responsible for such criminal activity to justice.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle organised crime and corruption within public institutions, particularly in the healthcare sector, which has seen heightened scrutiny during the Covid-19 pandemic.