High Court rules in ANSA Merchant Bank’s $30m fraud case

In a landmark ruling, the High Court has adjudicated on the $30 million fraud case involving ANSA Merchant Bank (AMB) and its former employees. Justice Frank Seepersad, in a comprehensive 100-plus page judgment, dismissed claims against four former employees but found former business development officer Dwayne Rojas guilty of breaching contractual and fiduciary duties. Rojas was implicated in a fraudulent loan scheme, colluding with roll-on/roll-off car dealers to defraud the bank of $30 million over two and a half years. The scheme involved falsified job letters and fabricated vehicle documents, with non-existent vehicles listed as loan collateral. Justice Seepersad ruled that Rojas knowingly processed fraudulent applications, causing substantial financial loss to AMB. The court also dismissed cases against Zaria Sankar, Reyvaan Rampersad, Kerry Ramsaroop, and Adriana Ramsingh, citing insufficient evidence of wrongdoing. However, summary judgments were granted against five roll-on/roll-off companies, ordering them to repay $24 million. Justice Seepersad criticized AMB for targeting junior staff while neglecting to hold senior officers accountable. He highlighted the bank’s inadequate internal controls and risk management practices, which facilitated the fraud. The judge recommended that the case be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police for potential criminal charges. Additionally, he urged the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism to review the operating licenses of the implicated dealerships. The ruling underscores the need for stricter financial oversight and accountability in the banking sector.