Minister David Lee, Businessman Hugh Leong Poi Rearrested

This report covers minister david lee, businessman with key details and context.

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro announced today that he received judicial warrants for the arrest of Minister of Housing and Caroni Central MP David Lee, and Hugh Leong Poi, owner of Sport Outlet Limited. The warrants were issued at approximately 12:15 pm. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed the warrants under Section 23(5) of the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act, Chapter 12:01. Both Lee and Leong Poi were promptly taken into custody and are currently undergoing standard processing procedures. These arrests follow a High Court review of a Magistrate’s decision made earlier this year. In April, Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles had dismissed the case against Lee and Leong Poi, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to commit them to trial. However, DPP Roger Gaspard stated that his office had initiated a review by a High Court judge to determine whether there was enough evidence to warrant a trial. Lee and Leong Poi were initially charged in September 2022 with conspiring to deprive the State of tax revenue related to the importation of a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, valued at over $2 million. Lee also faced separate charges of misbehaviour in public office and falsely claiming ownership of the vehicle to claim tax exemptions. The offences were alleged to have occurred between March and June 2019, involving VAT, motor vehicle tax, and customs duties totalling more than $1.4 million. Under the law, MPs are entitled to periodic tax exemptions for motor vehicles, provided taxes are paid if the vehicle is sold within two years of claiming the exemption. It is alleged that Lee used his parliamentary position to facilitate the importation on behalf of Leong Poi. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and executing judicial instructions with integrity, impartiality, and procedural rigor.

minister david lee, businessman: key developments so far.