BVI News

Premier detained in US on drug and money laundering charges

Premier Andrew Fahie has been detained in the United States on drug-related charges as well as charges related to a financial crime.

Governor John Rankin made the bombshell announcement in a press statement this afternoon.

He said: “This morning, the Honourable Premier Fahie was detained in Miami on charges related to conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering. As this concerns the arrest of a British citizen, the US government has informed the UK Government of this arrest, as part of the usual process followed when a British citizen is arrested abroad. The UK government has subsequently informed me as Governor.”

“As this is a live US investigation I have no further information on the arrest nor can I comment any further on it. However, what I can confirm is that the arrest was a US operation led by the DEA and is not linked to the Commission of Inquiry report,” the governor added.’

Amidst this shocking news, the governor called for “calm at this time”.

“I realise this will be shocking news for people in the Territory. And I would call for calm at this time. The Honourable Deputy Premier Natalio Wheatley will remain Acting Premier of the Territory. I will discuss with him and Cabinet the way forward in continuing to support the good governance of the Territory. I will provide a further update in due course.”

In the meantime, the governor also indicated that he will fast-track the release of the COI report.

“The remit of the Commission of Inquiry focused on governance and corruption, and was not a criminal investigation into the illegal drug trade. To avoid unnecessary speculation, I intend to move ahead urgently on publication of the Inquiry report so the people of the BVI can see its contents and its recommendations in the areas it addresses. I will have a call with Minister Milling and the Acting Premier Honourable Natalio Wheatley tomorrow to discuss further engagement between the UK and BVI on this urgent issue.”

He said he will provide more information in due course.

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161 Comments

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  1. Guest says:

    ??????????????????

    Like 58
    Dislike 2
    • Crazy Joe says:

      Now we know why the COI report was delayed. Undoubtedly a joint operation.

      Like 43
      Dislike 11
    • In Yuh body says:

      “The foreign officials were arrested after they met with undercover DEA agents posing as cocaine traffickers to check out an alleged shipment of $700,000 in cash on an airplane that they believed was destined for the British Virgin Islands, authorities told the Miami Herald. The DEA agents were posing as members of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel”

      ???????????

      Like 13
    • Carving carcas says:

      That’s why I keep saying, I hope stuffed chicken have his popcorn ready. I wonder if he still up and down on Facebook posting p¡$$ while chilling on the beach???????

      Like 14
    • Jeffrey COCKS says:

      Innocent on all charges. There’s no corruption nor drug smuggling in the BVI.

      Like 9
      Dislike 11
    • Wow says:

      I wonder if we’re going to pay his legal fees too.

      Like 29
      Dislike 2
    • Esco Ball says:

      Nobody in their right mind can say they were shocked at this. Remember the “people” needed bodyguards and there was always talk about the close relationship between them and the now deceased kingpin from West. All that praying and fasting you did will come in handy in the pris_ _

      Like 49
      • blindman says:

        @Esco Ball which kingpin you referring too its not the dead one that has him caught up its the west bank kingping that in balo that have him in hot water after tomorrow read the indictment.

        Like 11
        Dislike 4
        • @blindman says:

          But did you read the indictment, or is it “school chirren say”? Facts and recordings say it was an uncover operation since last year and the PA head and her cub were the ringleaders. It’s written in black and white and also recorded in this particular case so I can’t see how you still on here recklessly slandering other ppl name. Do yourself a favour and read the affidavit.

          Like 7
          Dislike 1
    • Revelation says:

      He won’t have a speech writer to formulate words for him now.

      Like 13
    • Wake Up says:

      He really expected the public to fork over tax and social security to pay tor his defense.

      Like 15
    • Jim says:

      Just shows us along that Dear Leader was the kingpin of the drug trade here.

      Adios Mofo

    • Murder 101 says:

      … I believe justice IS COMING?

    • FOR THE RECORD says:

      These 3 alleged criminals are not representative of the BVI COMMUNITY ON A WHOLE!!!

      We have been speaking against corruption

      Like 23
      Dislike 3
    • Nothing but GREED says:

      “In one of the meetings, according to the court filings, Fahie had pulled out a calculator to work out that his 12 per cent share of the proceeds from selling the shipment in the US would be $7.8mn, agreed to allow the traffickers to use the BVI’s ports and requested an upfront payment.

      Agents arrested Fahie, 51, on Thursday morning after he had inspected $700,000 in cash stashed in designer shopping bags on a plane at Miami-Opa locka airport, part of his supposed pay-off for helping the traffickers, the filing said. “Why am I getting arrested, I don’t have any money or drugs,” the agents quoted Fahie as saying as he was led away.

      Fahie, a flamboyant figure who plays the organ in his local church and begins government meetings with prayers, had lashed out at accusations of corruption at the highest levels of the BVI government and collusion with drug traffickers levelled by Rankin’s predecessor as governor, Augustus Jaspert.”

      Like 18
    • MORE TO COME says:

      While the arrest of the leader of the executive branch of the British Virgin Islands Government is a disturbing enough turn of events, the details of the affidavit suggest that corruption among public officials runs much deeper. Kadeem Maynard claimed to have at least two law enforcement officers on his payroll, and to have control over an unknown number of airport officials. The premier himself reportedly said that Government Official 1 has many “employers” – thought to be a reference to smugglers who pay that individual to allow them free reign. The federal government of the United States knows the identity of Government Official 1 in the British Virgin Islands.

  2. What!!! says:

    Wow. This news is absolutely stunning!

    Like 32
    Dislike 3
  3. 0% says:

    It was just a matter of time before Karma catch up w… Justice Matters.

    Like 50
    Dislike 1
  4. Rubber Duck says:

    Inevitable. Now get the rest of them.

    Like 64
    Dislike 1
  5. Wow says:

    Ayo gone with his house money now …….

    Like 35
  6. Father Time says:

    What now Anju? Ah lie dem a tell?

    Like 26
  7. The West says:

    A lot a them down west gone be running scared now

    Like 59
    Dislike 3
  8. Drama says:

    Here for the comments

    Like 65
    Dislike 1
  9. Real Macoy says:

    ONG… Thats some craziness for a premier of the BVI.

    Like 23
  10. Margret Thatcher says:

    I’m not surprised.

    Like 40
  11. Well Sah!! says:

    What a thing to tell the King, eh! Watching and waiting.

    Like 17
  12. DAMN!!!!! says:

    Oh man, what can be said. Detained is not arrested. It’s interesting that people think they can’t be touched for all their bull. This is a game, and it has been played badly on the BVI side the whole time.

    Like 11
    Dislike 4
  13. PAHAHAHAH says:

    THAT IS ALL

  14. Wa!!? says:

    Wtf!! Smh

  15. Hard working Citizens says:

    All that talk about defending the BVI’s reputation
    All those other drug related local arrests
    All of our tax money for all these years

    I just can/can’t believe it
    I hope it’s not true 🙁

    Like 23
    • Nononsense says:

      Of course it’s true.

      What reputation to defend?

      He is the mirror of the society that exists here.

      Bottom feeders galore.

    • Nononsense says:

      Of course it’s true.

      What reputation to defend?

      He is the mirror of the society that exists here.

      Bottom feeders galore.

      Like 8
      Dislike 1
  16. true be told says:

    well well well this what mr. fahie come too the ring leader what a thing to tell the king

    Like 23
  17. Ok says:

    Take the wheel Jesus

    Like 24
    Dislike 1
  18. working overtime says:

    NDP working overtime!!! This have to be a set up! it’s not amazing how far people would go to bring you down; Especially BVI people who’s specialized in bringing their own down…. I can also see this as a set up made by those who’s been losing their products over the few months and a way of removing the man who’s been trying to stop him!!

    Like 3
    Dislike 99
    • To working overtime says:

      STFU “wiggy” many of you feel you can do as you please….

      Like 22
    • Wow says:

      Are you serious. He has absolutely nothing to do with the bust. This is the guy who prefer to spend hundreds of thousands on barges instead of a navy ship for free.

      Like 54
      Dislike 1
    • @ working overtime says:

      Ahhhhhhh shaaaaat uppppp!!!!!

      All those witchcraft green flags they have through the place and calling for fasting. He had better get from here with that cause we know his fast had nothing to do with God Almighty!

      People pull them flags down now!!!!

      That $700,000 sounds all too familiar like the recent reports of contracts.

      Like 22
    • Irrelevant says:

      Doesn’t matter if it was a setup. Someone told him to go to that airport and he was dumb enough to go.

      Boom, he got killed in a mouse trap.

      What an a hole.

      Like 39
      Dislike 1
    • Lol says:

      So what you saying they force him to accept money for allowing drugs through the port? Even if it was a set up how can he be caught in this if he wasn’t willing?

  19. Wow says:

    Anyone surprised?

    Like 34
    • Liane says:

      No, not really. Drug smuggling has been going on in broad daylight in the West End for many, many years. Residents would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to see it. They made little effort to hide it.

      Law enforcement did very little to put a stop to it under ANY government. Ergo, it had to have been supported by some very well-connected people. In the more than 25 years I lived in West End, NO government took any serious steps to stop it.

      This should be interesting. Everyone I know in West End never speaks of it (unless in whispers) … they are too afraid of repercussions.

      Like 25
      • doubler says:

        Absolutely right – this awful trade has been going unchecked in West End and elsewhere for years. Sad fact is that BVI politics is utterly corrupted, and as someone else has noted, it is a mirror of our society.

  20. If what I am reading is true says:

    I am not thrilled being a BVI Islander right now. Apparently, not only was the Premier detained, but the port director and her son were as well.

    Read for your selves: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article260860782.html

    What a shame and disgrace these people have brought on our country.

    This is too much.. I cant.

    Like 57
    Dislike 1
    • Secret Bear says:

      If you’re shocked by this, you haven’t been paying attention.

      Like 36
      • If what I am reading is true says:

        Well..I read things here on the blogs and here innuendos here and there, but I know people like to talk so I never thought of something like this. A lot of the talk had to do with the motivation surrounding hiring that badge to protect the boarders. However, I could have never foreseen something like this. I am really shocked.

        Like 11
  21. yup says:

    That’s the smoking gun right there….adios BVI government

    Like 37
    Dislike 1
    • Hmmm says:

      When I read that he was attending a Cruise something the other day, I dont know why, but something didnt seem right….and now…BOOM!!! Now, I know why my spidey senses were tingling. I wonder what the yellow site will say LMAO

      Like 29
  22. DAMN!!!!! says:

    Spoke too soon, it looks like it was an arrest. From the description in the Miami Herald Fahie is done. He was stupid enough to get caught in this position and there is only one way out.

    From the Good Lord Fahie is so fond of quoting:

    “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    Like 25
  23. Customs says:

    Head man for customs next!!

    Like 48
  24. .... says:

    small things back on the helm next week

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  25. Well saaa! says:

    Such a Christian! Shame on you embarrassing your people!

    Like 28
    • @Well sah says:

      He embarrassing himself! It is total shame, disgrace and HAVOC he will have bestowed upon the BVI and Its Citizens.
      As for HOBVIPA ( say what!) and Son.
      What a tainted Stigma We shall bear.

  26. Lmfao says:

    So I kept writing that a 3xl orange jumpsuit was in his future… The UK … made sure the Foy was arrested in the US where he’s got no place to hide. Think people about those radar barges. There is more to come. Many more. This is just the beginning. Now that Foy is arrested the COI report will be released. Just wondering if he started fasting and praying. Lmfao

  27. Sandy says:

    What a tragic final chapter in his career. Time to turn things around here.

    Like 26
    Dislike 1
  28. Interested says:

    Let us pray for our territory,This affects us all

    Like 29
    Dislike 6
  29. Interested says:

    Prayers are needed for our territory.This affects us all

    Like 17
    Dislike 5
  30. Hard working Citizen says:

    All that talk about defending the BVI’s reputation
    All of the past drug related arrests
    All of that tax payers money

    I just can’t/can believe it
    I hope it’s not true

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
    • Truth be Told says:

      It’s true. It’s in the Miami news.

      He knew why he said he don’t want people thinking gangsters running the government.

      Like 16
  31. vg resident says:

    Wow, just wow. I am thinking COL is going to take over

    Like 10
  32. Not Surprised says:

    We shall see if the one up in the hill get called in for questioning.

    Revoke all those Board appointments he has his friends, cousins, and other family sitting on.

    Like 24
  33. pahahahaha says:

    that is all….

  34. Legal fees says:

    Can the Governor confirm who will be paying their legal fees?

    Like 15
    Dislike 1
  35. DEA says:

    God Bless America who else looks for the truth like the USA.

    Like 18
    Dislike 5
  36. UNKNOWN says:

    Why am i not surprised. Fahie is a p—–s christian. Fake! This is the beginning for the wicked BVI People. They have no manners, respect. Aggressive people who don’t know how to address others and speak. I am a BVI islander myself and I am often ashamed of my own people. The rest like Fahie needs to go down as well!

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  37. Correction says:

    Wolf in sheep’s clothing not Christian.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  38. Wow says:

    Now you can solve all the killing and shoothing .all related

    Like 15
  39. Wow says:

    So Gov Gus was right…

    Like 69
  40. Gus says:

    Ahhhh Governor Uncle Gus will feel vindicated now.

    Like 44
    • Yup says:

      He knew wadaf he was saying.. more to come… Its been a long time coming.. Its time to solve murders and bring justice!..

      Like 12
  41. Maybe murder too says:

    Who kill Bob? The Mob gang?

    Like 14
  42. Wake Up BVI People and Stop Being So Gullible!!! says:

    Don’t be so quick to believe everything that the media feeds you. This fiasco is clearly a set-up. Even a blind person can see that. This type of thing is very common when people in key positions oppose the powers that be. Follow the news, as it is happening to black government leaders in Africa and in other parts of the world. Wake up people of the BVI. Wake up,

    Like 5
    Dislike 102
    • Read it again says:

      He met with what he thought was a drug cartel, viewed money he believed they were paying him to allow drugs to come through the BVI and agreed to allow said passage. Set up or not, he has committed several serious offences that he should be nowhere near when holding such a position.

      No-one can defend that

    • To wake up says:

      Man look, STFU!!!! Its always funny when criminals look to say they were set up EVERY SINGLE time they are caught???

      Like 31
      Dislike 1
    • You wake up says:

      You’re right, and it doesn’t matter. Oh, and what’s common? Black leaders going to an airport to look at supposed drug money?

      GTFOH

      Like 19
    • @Wake Up says:

      The charging document/affidavit to support the arrests is actually circulating and includes information from video and audio recordings. SMH

  43. IslandSon says:

    This was bound to happen as the DEA and the BVI have a long history! BVI you have a chance to clean up the Island, clean up your reputation make the Islands a great place to work and live. Come together and make it happen.

    Like 30
    • Resident says:

      Fahie said a country’s name/reputation is more valuable than gold and diamonds (or similar). This will help that! Rgds just

  44. @ Wake Up BVI People and Stop Being So Gullible!!! says:

    You should change your name to “ignorant”

  45. Moesha says:

    You all don’t be rejoicing for someone’s down fall. Wait to hear what the premiere has to say first before passing judgement. And trust me the United States is no better. There’s a looooooot of corruption there. Listen to msnbc from 8-11 p.m. and you get the picture. Be careful what you all are praying for.

    Like 3
    Dislike 29
  46. smh says:

    The same god who name he always got in he mouth is what deal with him. sick greedy people… at a time when we needed leadership he allegedly running drugs and squandering the country finances.

    Like 18
    Dislike 3
  47. @ GUS says:

    WHAT WAS HE GUILTY OF ? ❓ AND WHO WERE THE JUDGES , JURY AND HYPOCRITES WHO WANTED TO PERFORM THE EXECUTION AND WHERE ARE THEY ❓ ( LOTS OF TOILET PAPER WOILL NBE SOLD NOW ?

    Like 1
    Dislike 7
  48. keep wearing the tinfoil hat.. says:

    This is why he had his own security guards, and claimed to be under threat of assassination. Also why he allowed our borders to be transgressed with impunity, and no Royal Navy watch. Also why the BVI has turned into a narcostate. All the while bleating about Gus, gaslighting us about his vacuous policies, begging for private donations, stealing from the SSB. He stands condemned by his own actions, and now he has to answer in a US court. Only the tinfoil-hat lot think this is a set-up.

  49. Question says:

    When last did he went to the USA before this?

    • Good question says:

      That’s an important question. So it means this arrest relates to recent suspicions, not the old ones he has always denied.

  50. Political Intelligence says:

    I can only imagine the series of flip flapping lies he might tell to try and get out of this one.

    This coupled with the COI released report …

  51. HMS... says:

    Look for the Navy Ship on the horizon

    Like 16
    Dislike 1
  52. Cheers to Gus says:

    Gus rules Fahie drools! lol

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  53. Get Real says:

    He was at the airport to get the funding to extend the BVI airport runway and to make sure the bigger planes could land/takeoff. He said that there would be new direct flights coming in from Miami this year. He just forgot to tell us they’d be full of ***** too. BVI love baby!

    Like 19
    Dislike 1
  54. Observer says:

    Here is what the Foreign Secretary said.

    “ I have spoken to the Governor of the BVI and he will be holding an emergency meeting of the Territory’s Cabinet later today. He will set out next steps tomorrow, including urgent publication of the Inquiry’s report.”

    This is quite clear as to who is in charge.

    Need I say more.

    Like 16
  55. Anonymous says:

    blacka and his mother ,,,,Andrew Fahie no man this is shameful breakin new first thing came on the news here .. shameful

  56. Sister Overseas Territory says:

    It is sad to see what the British does to our countries when they want their way. Do you think this man was stupid enough to carry out this operation? The head of state will now take advantage of the territory and only his color will prosper. Learn from the mistake of others and stop tearing others down. Bermuda next, watch it.

  57. Remember this? says:

    “Fahie has rejected claims of collusion with drug smuggling, accusing ex-governor Jaspert of inciting such allegations. He said the former governor needed to give the people of the Virgin Islands an apology instead of establishing a smear campaign against him, by slinging mud on the wall, hoping something sticks.”

    Like 19
  58. Prayerful says:

    Lord Jesus we beseech thee in our hour of need to bringeth thy Direct Rule as soon as possible. For thou has truly and incontrovertibly answered the question: is the BVI fit to govern itself? Amen.

    Like 14
    Dislike 3
  59. Hmmmm says:

    Guess his nephew is next

    Like 6
    Dislike 4
  60. Ausar says:

    WOOOOOOOWWW!!!

  61. Scotland yard says:

    Ahhhh, finally. Gus was not an idiot, it looks like he was unto something.

    Now we can get to the bottom of this barge story. And find out why certain people wanted to know the location of the navy ship. We need to find these people urgently.

    Like 24
    Dislike 1
  62. It show timw says:

    88comment set of fools pure redflag on this show good set up byUK and USA them thinknot no if the money was come to the bvi this a willliamlinch act get him out where no the governor want the ppl to colreport now hmm let the show start

    Like 2
    Dislike 11
  63. Anonymous says:

    “Pablo Escobar”… Is one thing collecting drug money in the BVI but is a next thing to do it on US soil. That making any sense?

  64. Jamie says:

    A very sad day for our British Virgin Islands!…very sad that the alleged corruption goes to the very highest elected official in our country!!

    Like 25
  65. fishy handshakes.... says:

    “what the h*ll?” “YEAH! WHAT THE H*LL”
    ?????

  66. wat-a-ting says:

    Lord have mercy and corruption:-)

    • @ FACTS ❓ ? says:

      IS FACT OR FICTI0N , ? WELL THE GIG GUY CAN SPEAK FOR HIMSELF , SO IT WILL VERY INTERESTING TO HEAR , THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY / OR WHO’S FAULT IT IS , THIS EPISODE OF ( WAH GO-ARN DEY ? ❓

  67. TheHiddenHand says:

    Head Coach gone, the whole team gonna crumble now. Damn

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  68. Lisa says:

    Apparently Mr. Fahie has never had the need to ask anyone about life in a US prison. He is in for a rude awakening. No extradition needed. Caught red handed. Don’t mess with the DEA and the FBI.

  69. Lol says:

    I wonder if mr. Premier goin give them the 1 up balo in exchange for immunity deal

    Like 6
    Dislike 2
  70. WW3 says:

    RIP BVI

    We are dead now. speechless

  71. Pumpkin says:

    Bend over Andy. ?

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  72. Wow says:

    I just read the 19 affidavit pages , word for word conversations with Fahie , Maynard , her son and the DEA Confidential Source. Wow Wow Wow… You Guys should get a copy of it and read. You will see the real Andrew Fahie. My God.

    Like 10
  73. Big Richard says:

    Look at it this way Andy, maybe it’s better than Bob’s demise ? just maybe

  74. Huh? says:

    Lord. Have Mercy. Been hearing that since boy here. Finally get to use it. Lawdamercy

  75. What!!! says:

    Everyone should read the 19 page affidavit before commenting it is truly shocking, Fahie even asked the undercover agent to pray with him right before he starts asking for money.

    Like 17
  76. Lmao says:

    If this isn’t the d**best prime Minister.. He’s a dips**t, just like the whole country… Good luck bvi?????????????????????

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  77. Norman Paperman says:

    Dont stop the Carnival!

  78. Well sah. says:

    From my readings I think that the Mrs and the son were the true master minds.. The son said he had dirt on Fahie…It sounds to me like Fahie needs a good lawyer as he seemed to be blackmailed into the deal…. From the implications Mrs and Son seemed to be very deep into it and to know the man that well… I’m sorry that Fahie threw away his political career like that and feel bad that he will be doing time.. Jail is a tough place and he isn’t the kind so he will definitely be owned…..Let this be the beginning of a cleansing….Official 1 I hope you are exposed and all those at the Airport…Shame on Fahie for protecting those people … The talks going around were true.

    Like 5
    Dislike 3
  79. Netflix says:

    Every cloud has a silver lining. At least we can look forward to a new series of Narcos BVI on Netflix.

  80. My Voice says:

    That is why we have soo many Guns in the British. Those Guns are coming in the BVI at Port Authority at Port Purcell along with the smugglings. Presently, there are 70 Unsolved Murders in the British Virgin Islands.

    Please look out for more murders and killings in the BVI they are coming soon. I see them already and we will soon have mass shootings in the schools, churches and banks and elsewhere. We are living in the Last days.

    Like 5
    Dislike 3
  81. Lmfao says:

    Now I see why they reduced the tax for the imports at the port ?

  82. Anonymous says:

    What a f#cking shame and disgrace!!

    This is the biggest allege corruption to hit the Caribbean. They should sentence you to life.

    Drugs destroys families and Communities. The PPL of the BvI put their trust in you to lead but it was your choice to create drug addicts and killers.

    BURN IN H**L ANDREW
    SHAME ON YOU!!

    Like 10
  83. @What!!! says:

    Lol Thats the part that made me open my mouth wider! This man sick!! He actually praying while doing his dirty tranaction! OMG can this get any weirder?

  84. Realmente says:

    Good morning my brother they were braging how much money them make from western union and money gram last year robing the poor and giving it to their so call farmers and fishermen God is up high looking down 3 down more to go.

  85. ok says:

    where is this document?????

    share please

  86. DEPORT THEM.. says:

    send them back..

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