The Integrity Commission (IC) has recommended charges against public officials, including two councillors, after probes into alleged illicit enrichment and the provision of false declarations. The Jamaica Gleaner reported the story on June 28, 2025.
Furthermore, the IC's report, covering the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, indicates that two additional lawmakers are currently under scrutiny due to accusations of illicit enrichment.
During the past seven years, 13 parliamentarians have been referred to the IC. These referrals were for either alleged illicit enrichment or for providing false information. The director of information and complaints has also referred two parliamentarians for investigation for potential breaches of Sections 14 and 15 of the Corruption Prevention Act, 2001. According to the report, four other public officials were similarly referred.
From April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2025, the IC has referred 13 members of parliament, one senator, seven local government councillors, one permanent secretary, seven heads of entities, and 36 other public officials for illicit enrichment probes.
Case Outcomes
Six investigations or preliminary inquiries connected to allegations of illicit enrichment or the provision of false information involving lawmakers have been closed. Among the closed cases, one resulted in a ruling to charge and one resulted in a ruling not to charge lawmakers. Charges were recommended against two councillors, one head of entity, and one "other public official."
Legal Definitions
The report included this information from the Corruption Prevention Act, "Section 14(5)(a) and (b) of the Corruption Prevention Act states that illicit enrichment occurs where a public servant owns assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings; and upon being requested by the commission or any person duly authorised to investigate an allegation of corruption, fails to provide an explanation as to how he came by such assets, or gives an explanation which is not considered satisfactory, he shall be liable to prosecution for the offence of illicit enrichment."
The IC's report also included this information from the law:
"it shall be a defence to a person charged with the offence to show the court that he acquired the assets by lawful means."
The IC's probes have generated significant public discussion, particularly with the upcoming general election anticipated by September. Last year, the IC was unable to conclude on illicit enrichment in a probe involving Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and referred the matter to the Financial Investigations Division. The report notes that some public officials were referred for alleged breaches spanning multiple periods.
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