Saint Lucia’s law enforcement authorities are launching an unprecedented offensive against illicit wealth accumulation, with Police Commissioner Verne Garde confirming targeted asset seizures from individuals suspected of obtaining property through criminal enterprises.
In a strategic declaration, Commissioner Garde revealed that authorities have identified ten high-priority targets for fiscal year 2024 as part of a coordinated interagency operation. “These individuals will be divested of properties acquired through nefarious activities,” Garde stated. “The targets are already designated, and we are preparing comprehensive packages to execute these actions. The wealth they previously enjoyed will be eliminated before 2026.”
This initiative marks a fundamental evolution in Saint Lucia’s crime prevention methodology, transitioning from traditional arrest-focused operations to systematically dismantling the financial infrastructure that sustains criminal networks. The new approach targets the economic foundations that enable persistent unlawful operations across the island nation.
The operation represents an unprecedented collaboration between multiple government agencies, including the Serious Investigations Agency (SIA), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Customs Department, and six additional regulatory bodies. According to Commissioner Garde, this multi-agency task force has conducted extensive surveillance operations monitoring suspect individuals and their financial transactions.
“Through coordinated intelligence sharing and investigative efforts, we have identified several prime targets,” Garde explained. “We intend to pursue their resources with the full capacity of our combined agencies.”
This intensified asset recovery campaign builds upon Commissioner Garde’s previously stated commitment to “follow the money” in combating organized crime. The strategy aligns with global anti-money laundering efforts and represents Saint Lucia’s most determined attempt to disrupt criminal economies by targeting their financial incentives and operational capabilities.