Chief Magistrate rules Tasker to be extradited

Former senior manager at the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Ltd. (ICBL) Alex Tasker, should be handed over to United States authorities to stand trial on money laundering and conspiracy to launder money charges.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes handed down that decision moments ago in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, saying that the action would not be taken until 15 days have passed.

But Tasker’s attorneys, Andrew Pilgrim Q.C. and Neville Reid said the wheels are already in motion to appeal the decision.

US authorities want Tasker extradited to stand trial for money laundering in the cash-for-coverage scandal involving former Government minister Donville Inniss.

Prosecutors allege that between August 2015 and April 2016, Tasker conspired with others to launder money in the US from outside the country, in violation of US law.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale who prosecuted the case with Senior Crown Counsel Oliver Thomas put forward no objection to Tasker remaining on bail pending his extradition.

More on the decision in tonight’s EPaper.