British national charged for allegedly trying to smuggle millions of dollars into Jamaica in shampoo bottles

Jamaican authorities have filed criminal charges against a British national who allegedly tried to enter the country with over US$130,000, the equivalent of J$20 million, hidden in bottles labelled "Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner".

Trevor Whyte, 42, a musical artiste and businessman, has been charged with possession of criminal property, cross border movement of funds and attempted bribery, the Financial Investigations Division (FID) disclosed in a statement on Monday.

He was charged last Friday after a formal interview conducted in the presence of his attorney Chrishana Fregenett at the Freeport Police Station, in St James, according to the FID.

Whyte, who resides in Enfield, London, and White House, in Westmoreland, was arrested at the Sangster International Airport, also in St James, shortly after he arrived in the country on May 1 on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London.

According to the FID, he was selected for routine inspection after he entered the “nothing to declare” customs channel.

The agency reported that during the scanning of his luggage, abnormalities were detected which prompted a physical search.

It alleged that the search revealed three suspicious bottles labelled as “Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner”.

An examination of the bottles revealed a total of US$130,490 concealed in plastic wrap,” according to the FID.

Whyte allegedly attempted to bribe Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) officers, encouraging them to take two of the packages and allow him to leave with the remainder of the money.

According to the FID, he claimed the funds were legitimate earnings from musical performances and were intended to support business activities in Jamaica.

“However, he was unable to provide evidence of the lawful source of the funds. The method of concealment, coupled with the attempt to evade disclosure, prompted immediate seizure of the cash and referral of the case to the FID for investigation,” the agency charged.

He remains in police custody.

Keith Darien, Principal Director of Investigations at the FID, said the case highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships between the FID and local law enforcement partners such as the police and the JCA.

Darien indicated, too, that the agency will continue to work closely with international partners to stem the flow of illicit funds and ensure accountability under the law.

“The concealment of cash in shampoo bottles, coupled with an attempted bribe, underscores the sophisticated tactics that individuals use to bypass established financial systems,” he said.

However, Darien said the FID remains vigilant and resolute in its efforts to disrupt illicit activities that threaten Jamaica’s financial system and international reputation.

- Livern Barrett

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