Two Arrested In Connection With $800K Loan
Police have confirmed that “two people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the $800,000 government loan to Savvy Entertainment.”
A police spokesperson said, “No further information will be provided on those arrests at this time.
Saying it was “in light of recent comments regarding the second arrest yesterday, Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police Stated: “Any decision by the Bermuda Police Service to effect the arrest of an individual, is based on many different factors. However, such action is not an indication of guilt and does not always lead to charges being laid. The decision to do so rests with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“There are some in the community who would have seen the headlines about the most recent arrest in connection with this investigation.
“Whilst it is the media’s role to report and speculate against such matters, we ask the public not to jump to conclusions based on limited knowledge of fact.”
Commissioner Corbishley added, “The BPS will act without fear or favour and properly investigate any serious allegation of wrongdoing. To do otherwise, would undermine the principles of natural justice.
“Finally, it is important for the public to note that the matter in relation to Savvy entertainment was presented by Government to the BPS to investigate.
“The BPS has responded to this and it is therefore disappointing when criticism is made of the service in regards to speculative reports around individuals being spoken to, when a previous arrest in this matter received no such commentary.”
Update: Media reports are identifying one of the two people arrested as Zane DeSilva, a former Cabinet Minister who recently won re-election as a PLP MP.
Premier David Burt said, “There is a presumption of innocence in this country that applies to everyone regardless of who they are. Police investigations are carried out everyday without the revelation of names of individuals who may be questioned. This investigation should be no different and equal justice should be applied.
“Regrettably, it now seems clear that news of this operation was leaked from officials involved in the investigation to achieve maximum political impact. This is a methodology employed on previous occasions with members or supporters of this Government and is shocking in its total disregard for what should be the rule of law.”
