MOCA Statement On TAJ Workers - Something Smells Fishy!

MOCA and RPD Statement Regarding TAJ Employees - May 6, 2026

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) notes the recent outcome of proceedings in the matter involving former employees of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and recognises the public concern that has arisen following the court’s decision to dismiss the charges.

As a law-enforcement agency, we are committed not only to the vigorous investigation and prosecution of serious organised crime, fraud, and corruption, but also to the observance of fairness, due process, and the timely administration of justice. In light of the ruling, we have commenced an internal review of the case management and court attendance issues arising in this matter and will take appropriate next steps in order to ensure that we maintain the high standards of professionalism and integrity that is in keeping with our core values. 

Based on our initial assessment, we can report to the public that this case, which was investigated by the Revenue Protection Division (RPD), was prosecuted in conjunction with MOCA’s legal and prosecutorial department. As part of that process, fiats were obtained to allow legal officers employed to both agencies to prosecute the matter on behalf of the Crown.

Over a number of years, the matter has been affected by a range of delays due to a multiplicity of circumstances, many of which were outside the control of the prosecution. When the case came before the court on Monday, May 4, 2026, the prosecution was in a position to proceed despite the fact that the fiat counsel were unavailable to attend, with two being affected by illness and the other unable to attend court due to particular personal circumstances. These factors, when viewed against the background of the matter’s prolonged history, appear to have contributed directly to the court’s ruling in terminating the matter.

As a result, we and our RPD partners are currently in the process of consulting with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding potential options for the way forward, even as we collectively review the situation in order to identify any possible systemic learning and to prevent a recurrence. 

We would like to remind the public that we remain committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, accountability, fairness and the proper administration of justice, in order to preserve and maintain the high public confidence that has been placed in us over the years.

Editor's Note

This is a nice press release, but persons or persons fell down on the job. With the high incidence of crime, when we are quick to lock up someone who stole some ackees, this does not go down well.

Someone must be held accountable. We need to know for example, if persons involved in prosecuting the case were habitually sick. We need to know if people deliberately drag this thing out to get someone off the hook. This nice press release is coming off as just plain public relation efforts.

Something is not smelling right, and this matter must be investigated by an independent body. 

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