Crime/Police
BVI Belonger Arrested After High-Speed Chase in USVI Human Trafficking Operation
– Linked to 28-Person Trafficking Case in BVI
A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who holds Belonger Status in the British Virgin Islands, was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday night, September 25, after being caught trafficking two individuals into the territory.
Danny Dennevil, already facing charges in the BVI for human trafficking, was apprehended following a tense pursuit involving U.S. law enforcement. According to the Virgin Islands Consortium, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents had been monitoring a 12-foot dinghy operated by Dennevil as it left Little Thatch Cay and Frenchman Cay in Tortola on the night of September 25, 2024.
The boat, powered by a single 25-horsepower Yamaha engine, crossed into U.S. waters and was tracked into Leinster Bay on St. John. Law enforcement agents, observing the vessel’s movements, pursued the boat into Annaberg, where two individuals disembarked. These individuals, later identified as nationals of the Dominican Republic, were taken into custody for entering the USVI without legal documentation.
As agents attempted to stop Dennevil from fleeing back to Tortola, he allegedly ignored their commands, prompting officers to disable his boat’s engine, forcing him to stop.
While court documents do not specify Dennevil’s nationality, reports indicate he informed U.S. agents that he was already facing trial in the British Virgin Islands for a separate human trafficking case. Dennevil had previously been arrested in November 2021 for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of 28 individuals, including Haitians and South Americans, who were discovered in a Baughers Bay apartment on Tortola. He had spent a year in remand before being released pending trial.
During that 2021 incident, Dennevil reportedly admitted to assisting the group, claiming that one of the individuals was his girlfriend, “Blondie,” whom he had met at a strip club. According to his statements, he expected to be compensated with sexual favors. Blondie, however, told investigators she had offered Dennevil $1,000 for his help, while her male cousin, another passenger, claimed he paid $5,150 to be smuggled from the Dominican Republic to St. Thomas via Tortola.
Dennevil is now facing new charges in the U.S. Virgin Islands, adding to the legal troubles he already faces in the British Virgin Islands. The case underscores the region’s ongoing challenges with human trafficking, as local and U.S. authorities work to clamp down on smuggling operations that exploit vulnerable individuals.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.
RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.
“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”
To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.
If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.
According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.
Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.
This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Caribbean Leaders Rally for Immunisation Progress at 38th EPI Managers’ Meeting
Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1
-
Crime/Police2 days agoAttempted Armed Robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill Foiled on Fort Hill
-
Crime/Police6 days agoGovernor Pruce Suspends RVIPF Commissioner Recruitment, Citing Evolving Security Needs
-
Local News1 week agoThird District Job Fair Sees Record-Breaking Turnout and Community Impact
-
Local News1 week agoVirgin Islands Moves Forward with New Agriculture and Fisheries Complex Contract
-
Business7 days agoVirgin Islands Secures $100 Million Loan to Drive Infrastructure and Community Development
-
Business7 days agoBVI Financial Investigation Agency and Jersey Financial Services Commission Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Financial Crimes
-
Local News1 day agoFraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
-
Local News1 week agoVirgin Islands to Host 67th Session of Caribbean Meteorological Council