“Boots” says he has nothing to hide in F.I.U. investigation
News Five received today a peculiar press release from the Financial Intelligence Unit, warning the public that the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act contains an offence for tipping off the subjects of an ongoing investigation. The release goes on to say that persons who commit that offence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and are liable to a fine of up to fifty thousand dollars. We can only presume that the statement was as a result of a news story aired earlier this week in another media house which reported an alleged investigation being conducted into the financial affairs of Minister of Works Anthony “Boots” Martinez. As he did then, today Martinez maintained to News Five that he still knows nothing about the alleged investigation, but said he’s not concerned and has nothing to hide.
Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Minister of Works
“I heard about allegations and I heard about the leader of the Opposition writing to the Prime Minister about certain allegations. I have never been contacted by the F.I.U. My account from December of 2007, it is a business account, up to the first of October 2008, so I think the record will speak for itself. I am a public figure and have no problem with grey areas to clarify.”
Marion Ali
“Did you make a deposit that would make the F.I.U. question it? Did you not declare something or did you leave out anything that you should have done. Maybe not follow certain procedures?”
Anthony Martinez
“All deposits as I understand it, ten thousand dollars you must sign a declaration form once it is cash deposits to say where the monies come from. That was done. It was two different transactions; one involving thirty thousand, one involving twenty-three thousand, six hundred and fifty dollars. That was in the month of March but the history of the account shows, even up to now, that this is an ongoing account, it’s a business account. Well, I just closed it this evening and the final balance while closing is eight thousand, eight hundred and fifty-seven dollars and fifteen cents.”
Marion Ali
“So you made declarations to these two deposits?”
Anthony Martinez
“To each time, to the two deposits.”
Marion Ali
“So you have no fear to the outcome of the investigation?”
Anthony Martinez
“No, I have no fear, it is open and transparent.”
It is known that Prime Minister Barrow has responded to Leader of the Opposition using what is described as strong language.
