KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-The Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) says it has launched an internal review into the circumstances that led to the dismissal of a fraud case involving former employees of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).
The former TAJ workers, who were arrested in 2017, had faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, falsification of records, and larceny as a servant.
The matter remained before the court for nearly a decade, plagued by repeated delays and adjournments, before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court dismissed the case on Monday for want of prosecution.
In a statement, MOCA acknowledged the outcome of the proceedings and said it understood the public concern arising from the court’s ruling.
The agency said it remains committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting organized crime, fraud, and corruption, while also ensuring fairness, due process, and the timely administration of justice.
MOCA disclosed that it has begun an internal review of the management of the case and related court attendance issues to prevent a recurrence.
The agency said it would take appropriate steps to ensure it continues to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity.
According to MOCA, the matter had been investigated by the Revenue Protection Division (RPD) and prosecuted jointly with MOCA’s Legal and Prosecutorial Department.
Fiats had been secured to allow legal officers from both agencies to prosecute the matter on behalf of the Crown.
MOCA said the case had experienced numerous delays over the years due to various circumstances, many beyond the prosecution’s control.
The agency explained that when the matter came before the court on Monday, the prosecution had been prepared to proceed despite the absence of fiat counsel.
According to the statement, two counsel were reportedly ill, while another was unable to attend court due to personal circumstances.
MOCA said those factors, coupled with the case’s lengthy history, appeared to have contributed directly to the court’s decision to terminate the matter.
The agency added that MOCA and its RPD partners are now consulting with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) regarding possible options for the future.
It said the review process is also aimed at identifying any systemic weaknesses and implementing measures to avoid similar situations in the future.
MOCA reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, fairness, and the proper administration of justice to maintain public confidence.
and then  says it has launched an internal review into the circumstances that led to the dismissal of a fraud case involving former employees of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ)){kind=link}