Customs officer charged with fraud granted bail

Customs officer Davian Beckford, who is accused of defrauding a man of $2.9 million in relation to the provision of a motor vehicle, was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 in the St Catherine Parish Court on Friday.

Beckford was represented by King's Counsel Peter Champagnie.

In applying for bail, Champagnie told the court his client "is a man of sound character who was awarded in numerous categories by his employer" and that he is not a flight risk.

Champagnie also said Beckford will prove his innocence as he was at work in Kingston on the date of the alleged incident.

It is alleged that on May 29, 2023, the complainant paid $2.9 million to a man he has identified as Beckford for the purchase of a Toyota Voxy.

After he did not receive the vehicle, the complainant reported the matter to the police.

An investigation was launched, which resulted in Beckford's arrest and charge.

Beckford is to reappear  in court on February 7, 2025.

- Rasbert Turner

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