A multi-million-dollar racket involving several registered firearm dealers catering to crime-worried business people willing to pay big bucks for peace of mind has been uncovered by the Sunday Express.
Among those doling out chunks of cash for Firearm User’s Licences (FULs) are private security companies and owners of well-known businesses throughout the country.
The Sunday Express investigation, which started 11 months ago, has unearthed that the licensed dealers charge their clients “processing fees” to have their FUL applications expedited.
Provisional licences and FULs are signed off by the Commissioner of Police after undergoing a process which involves investigation by police officers attached to the applicant’s policing division.
These fees start at $45,000 and could reach up to $80,000, depending on which dealer is approached.
As part of its investigation, the Sunday Express accompanied five businessmen on separate occasions to different licensed dealers’ business places over a three-month period.
The businessmen paid the “processing fees” and secured their FULs within a short period of time.
They were also provided with receipts after paying their “fee”.
Proof of their expedited FUL application was shown to the Sunday Express.
Additionally, it was uncovered that these dealers and several of the business owners are donors who have signed on to the I Support Our Service (ISOS) initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS)—the brainchild of Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith and his wife, Nicole, which was launched last year.
It involves businesses pledging support for the TTPS, such as affording police officers discounts or providing tangible items to the TTPS.
Some of the licensed dealers also provide goods and services to the TTPS.
The dealers in question which formed part of the Sunday Express investigation are located in the Southern (1), Central (1) and Northern divisions (3).
The Sunday Express understands the “processing fees” are separate from the purchasing of firearms and ammunition and training at the range (either indoor or outdoor, which are owned by the licensed dealers).
Once the “processing fee” is paid, the client receives a receipt.
The FUL is approved within a guaranteed six-week period or earlier.
Additionally, should a client require a variation of their firearm, that can also be arranged; and the “processing fee” depends on the type of firearm wanted.
A variation essentially means should the firearm holder require another firearm type, he will need to apply for such approval.
For example, apart from having a personal firearm (pistol) for protection of business and family, a variation can also be made for the firearm holder to have a shotgun (he may have a large acreage of land with crops. The crops are being targeted by animals and the shotgun will be used to deter such “pests”/or for hunting purposes).
Money paid to the licensed dealers were solely cash transactions.
Investigations further revealed that once the FUL is granted, the clients are obligated to purchase their firearms and ammunition from the licensed dealer to whom the “processing fee” is paid.
The Sunday Express also uncovered that as many as five firearms are registered to several business owners, with several variations, while some of the firearms have been modified to resemble firearms used by specialist sections within the TTPS, such as Guard and Emergency Branch (GEB), Multi Options Police Service (MOPS), Inter Agency Task Force (IATF), Special Branch and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT).
Businessman: I refused to pay
In an interview with the Sunday Express on October 28, a businessman who requested “strict confidentiality” said two weeks ago he placed a call to a firearm dealership within the Northern Division.
“Apart from myself, there were other businessmen who were interested and we decided to apply as a group,” he said.
The businessman said he called the dealership and, after listening to the welcoming recording, pressed the number for Customer Support.
After explaining the group wished to purchase firearms and was enquiring about the price, a company representative indicated they would receive a discount price of $35,000 each for “processing fees”.
“I asked what processing fees, since I am unaware of any such thing, and she indicated the fees assisted in speeding up and having others push the paperwork through for the application process.
“I was shocked. Yes, as businessmen, we need to have a firearm to protect our businesses and family but I refused to entertain a processing fee to expedite my FUL application. It’s quite ridiculous and it’s becoming a norm. Even when I brought it up with some police officers whom I interact with, they were aware of it and confirmed it was becoming the norm. All you need to do is go to any dealer and enquire,” he said.
Citing instances of friends who paid “processing fees”, the businessman said: “Even if I have to wait two years to get approval, I will be doing it the right way.”
‘No regrets in paying
In interviews with the Sunday Express, the businessmen who paid felt they had no other option.
They collectively stated the increase in crime had left them feeling vulnerable, and paying the “processing fee was a sure thing”.
“Look at (name called), he is literally a big man in the Police Service and running his stuff on the side with his recently acquired range, that’s why I had no problem paying the money. I was sure I would get through. It was a sure thing.
“There is no price too much for peace of mind and protecting your family. I have no regrets,” one businessman said.
Another businessman said, “Yes, it is illegal that I paid, but it was for the greater good. I have a family and business to protect. The (licensed dealer) is a professional. He has been servicing the southern community for years. He is well-known by police officers within the division, and even police officers go by him, so who is me?”
Numerous efforts by phone calls and messages to obtain comment from these licensed dealers within the past month have been unsuccessful.
