Court sentences boat captain caught with nearly $1M

A boat captain who was charged last year for failing to disclose almost $1 million to Customs was yesterday sentenced in the BVI Magistrate’s Court.

The total amount of $845,550, which was forfeited when the incident occurred in 2019, was handed over to the Crown.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards sentenced Anthony Angol for two charges: Untrue Declaration and Failing to Declare Monies to Her Majesty’s Customs.

For the charge of untrue declaration, Angol received time served. This is because he already served nine months in prison when he was arrested last year.

For failing to Declare Monies to Her Majesty’s Customs, a fine of $20,000 was imposed. In the event of non-payment, Angol will have to spend six months in prison.

Details of the case

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, Angol was one of two men who were the occupants of a 30-foot, dark coloured, go-fast speedboat. The vessel was captained by Angol.

Angol travelled on the aforementioned vessel across from the USVI to Tortola. At approximately 2:30 pm, the vessel arrived at the West End Ferry Terminal. While there, Angol asked for and filled out a BVI Customs declaration form, indicating that there were certain items to be declared, such as numerous motorcycle helmets.

The Customs Officer inquired whether there were other items to be declared and Angol said no. The officer then boarded the vessel, where he conducted a search in the presence of Angol. During the search, a black duffle bag was found in the bow of the vessel.

Angol denied having any knowledge of the bag. The bag was opened and searched and stacks of United States currency bills were found.

Upon making this discovery, Angol again denied having any knowledge that the bag was there. He similarly denied knowing anything about the contents of the bag. The Customs personnel contacted the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for assistance. Police officers arrived and commenced their investigations.

Officers from the Financial Crime Unit met with Angol and inquired of him as to the source of the funds. Angol maintained that he had no idea where the money came from or to whom the money belonged. The money was removed from the duffle bag and placed on the examination table and photographed.

A money counting machine was used and a total of US $854,550 was recorded. Angol participated in an interview under caution, and he indicated that he had no knowledge of the monies.

Angol spent nine months on remand.