Press Release From The Financial Investigations Division - June 10, 2026
June 10, 2026, Kingston, Jamaica: The Financial Investigations Division (FID) can confirm that Shawn Walker, a 34-year-old Jamaican and business operator from Crawford District, St. Elizabeth, has been arrested and charged in relation to the alleged concealment of US$270,580 at the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James.
According to the report, Mr. Walker arrived in Jamaica on Sunday, June 7, 2026, on a United Airlines Flight from New Jersey in the USA. During routine customs control activities, Jamaica Customs Agency officers detected abnormalities in his luggage, which led to further checks and a manual search.
The search reportedly revealed a large quantity of United States currency concealed in 28 sealed boxes of bath soap. When the boxes were opened and the cash was counted, the total amounted to US$270,580. Mr. Walker reportedly produced documents which could not sufficiently prove that the cash was legally obtained by him.
Following a question-and-answer session conducted on Monday, June 8, 2026, by officers from the Constabulary Financial Unit in the presence of his attorney, Mr. Donnovan Collins, Mr. Walker was subsequently charged for the following breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA):
- Failure to report to the Designated Authority the transportation of cash into or out of Jamaica – Section 101(2),
- Possession of Criminal Property – Section 93(1) and
- Concealment of Criminal Property – Section 92.
Mr Walker was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the St. James Parish Court on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
In commenting on the matter, Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations at the FID, said: “This matter demonstrates the importance of vigilance at Jamaica’s ports of entry and the continued collaboration among agencies involved in detecting and investigating suspected financial crime, including our strategic partners at the Jamaica Customs Agency.
The FID remains committed to protecting Jamaica’s financial system from abuse, and citizens also have an important role to play. We urge businesses and travellers alike to use the formal banking system and to comply fully with all declaration requirements.”
Meanwhile, Cassell Dunkley, Director of Investigations at the Jamaica Customs Agency, echoed Mr. Darien’s sentiments, noting: “The seizure on Sunday underscores the importance of collaboration; and the Jamaica Customs Agency, along with the Financial Investigations Division, continues to collaborate in protecting our borders and our financial industry. We remain resolute and collaborative in working together to protect our borders.
Therefore, we say to all law-abiding citizens, they do not need to worry; but we are saying to those who wish to create mayhem, perpetrators who try to abuse our systems or disrupt our operations, and all of that, we are working together to stop transnational crime and the aspect of illicit cross-border movement of cash. Well done team.”
Under the POCA, carrying cash across borders is perfectly legal; however, travellers must declare any amount over US$10,000, or its equivalent, and must be able to verify its source and purpose.
Meanwhile, the FID is reminding the public that charges are allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Audio: Cassel Dunkley
Audio: Keith Darien
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