Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has issued a stern warning regarding strict enforcement measures against individuals failing to meet court-mandated pecuniary penalty orders (PPOs) under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This declaration follows recent criminal charges filed against two individuals for non-compliance with financial penalty requirements.
The enforcement actions target Jason Kameka and Orville Barriffe, both charged with violating previously imposed PPOs. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialised Investigation Branch, particularly its Constabulary Financial Unit, conducted the operational investigations leading to these charges. The branch had previously investigated the predicate offenses that resulted in the initial PPOs—fraud charges in Kameka’s case and narcotics offenses in Barriffe’s case.
Kameka, currently detained on unrelated matters, faces a court appearance scheduled for March 13, 2026, regarding his PPO violation. His original conviction in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court included conspiracy to defraud, aiding cybercrimes, and obtaining money under false pretenses. Despite a 2020 court order requiring payment of J$18.1 million, investigations revealed complete non-compliance with the financial penalty.
Barriffe, granted bail, is scheduled for court appearance on April 7, 2026. His conviction for cocaine possession and trafficking resulted in a consent order requiring J$6 million payment through structured installments. While partial payments were made, the majority remains outstanding with no evidence of appeal or payment extension requests.
The legal framework under POCA establishes serious consequences for non-compliance. Section 12(6) categorizes payment failure as a criminal offense punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. Section 13 mandates automatic interest accrual on outstanding amounts at six percent annually until full payment is completed.
Current statistics reveal significant enforcement challenges: as of September 30, 2025, courts have issued PPOs totaling over J$114 million against 17 individuals. Only three are fully compliant with payment schedules, while twelve are delinquent with at least one month in arrears. Two cases remain under appellate review.
FID’s enforcement protocol involves formal written notifications upon initial payment default, followed by criminal charges if non-compliance persists. Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations Keith Darien emphasized that “pecuniary penalty orders are binding court requirements that must be treated as such,” noting that the agency will “pursue the matter fully and without hesitation” when violations occur.
Senior Director of Legal Services Courtney Smith reinforced that PPO compliance is essential for depriving criminals of illicit gains, stating that “the Proceeds of Crime Act is intended to ensure that crime does not pay.” The FID reminded defendants that legitimate payment difficulties require formal court relief applications rather than ignored deadlines and unresponsive behavior.