THE FINANCIAL Investigation Division (FID) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has been called in to investigate the Wadadah Football Club in Montego Bay, St. James, following the arrest of a Colombian national who is connected to the club.
"We have requested the assistance of the FID with our investigations, because there is also one other person who we understand was connected to the club, that we are looking for," said Carlton Wilson, the Senior Superintendent in charge of the Narcotics Division.
The person being sought is a Bahamian national whose assets in Jamaica have been valued at over $100 million.
On March 8, the Colombian national, Ruben Alexandro Santa Maria Hernández, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of money, after over $10 million in cash was found at his apartment in Montego Bay, St. James.
Since 2003, the club has secured a work permit for Mr. Hernández, whose contract indicates that he was a professional footballer contracted to the club. But contacted on Thursday, Wadadah's coach, Anthony Williams, denied knowing Mr. Hernández.
When quizzed yesterday about Mr. Williams' claim that he was unaware that the Colombian was a part of the Wadadah outfit, Gene Grey, president of the club said Williams knew the Colombian as 'Santos' and was seemingly unaware of his correct name.
Mr. Grey confirmed that Hernández was a properly registered member of his football club.
"He came to Jamaica as a visitor in 2003 and somebody took him to see Wadadah play," Grey told The Gleaner yesterday. "He later came to us and expressed a desire to represent the team and we invited him to come to a training session."
SERIOUS BACK INJURY
According to Mr. Grey, while the team was preparing for the 2003 Western Super League, the Colombian sustained a serious back injury and was sidelined. He said he was nonetheless kept on the team's roster.
"While he has not been playing because of his injury, he remained an integral part of our outfit and has been helping out as the assistant coach for the Under-21 team," said Grey.
While the police are conducting their investigation, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Alvin McIntosh, said the ministry will be dispatching its investigators, with a view to establishing whether Mr. Hernández is engaged in the occupation for which the permit was granted.
"If it is not, then the permit will be revoked," said Mr. McIntosh.
