“No Jersey links to BVI corruption probe”

Sunday 24 January 2021

Jersey has distanced itself from fellow offshore finance centre the British Virgin Islands, after the UK Government launched independent inquiry into corruption claims there.

External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said: “Jersey is a responsible international finance centre which has been routinely recognised as adhering to all international standards relevant to financial services and corruption.

“Jersey is aware of the UK investigation into corruption in the BVI. Currently it appears that these allegations link to their national level authorities and there is no reported link at this stage to any firm that has offices in Jersey. We will continue to monitor this matter as the investigation progresses.”

A number of Jersey businesses also have offices in the British Virgin Islands, but none of those contacted by Express responded to a request for comment.

Joe Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer at promotional body Jersey Finance said: “We can’t comment on another jurisdiction, we can only reinforce our own jurisdictional position of high standards, transparency and reputation.”

With the support of the Foreign Office, the British Virgin Island’s governor Augustus Jaspert, has ordered an independent commission of inquiry to be held by UK judge, Sir Gary Hickinbottom.

Pictured: The British Virgin Islands is one of 14 British Overseas Territories and, like Jersey, relies on the UK for international relations and defence. 

Announcing the development in a written statement to the House of Commons, UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: “The UK is extremely concerned about the state of good governance in the BVI.

“A consistent and deeply troubling array of concerns have been put to the governor by local institutions and the community.

“Successive attempts have been made to address these concerns through local institutions, many of which have done commendable work to bring them to light. However, the scope and seriousness of the concerns are now beyond local capacity to address.

“The UK Government is responsible for ensuring the security and good governance of BVI.

“We have a constitutional and moral duty to protect the interests of the people of BVI - we cannot ignore such serious allegations.”

UK concerns that the six-month inquiry will tackle include: 

• Allegations of political interference and coercion in relation to appointments in the public service and statutory boards, the criminal justice system and individual criminal cases;
• Claims that people in public service, media and community leaders have been intimidated to such a degree that they describe living in a climate of fear;
• Allegations that funds set aside for struggling families during the pandemic may have been re-allocated to political allies;
• Concerns around spending on Government contracts without any proper procurement process;
• Misuse of taxpayers’ money on infrastructure and transport projects.