Crime/Police
12% Crime Increase Attributed to Money Boys Gang
The British Virgin Islands saw a 12% rise in crime in 2024 compared to the previous year, a surge largely attributed to the activities of the “Money Boys Gang,” Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool revealed during a press conference at Police Headquarters.
The gang has been linked to a series of burglaries, robberies, and vehicular thefts that plagued the territory throughout the year.
“We grappled with the gang for several months, and toward the end of November, we were able to limit their ability to commit crimes,” Commissioner Vanterpool stated. “Working with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the courts, we were successful in arresting and remanding several of the key players. Indeed, some of them have already been found guilty or pleaded guilty as charged.”
Despite these challenges, Commissioner Vanterpool highlighted the success of police efforts in ensuring a “safe, enjoyable, and largely crime-free” festive season, commending the sacrifices made by officers.
The Acting Commissioner reaffirmed the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s (RVIPF) commitment to maintaining public safety.
“As Commissioner, you have my word that I and my officers will lead with and leverage every resource available to us to tackle the crime situation so that the BVI remains one of the safest places to live, work, and vacation,” she said.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts as authorities continue their crackdown on organized crime.
Crime/Police
12 BVI Police Officers on Interdiction Amid Corruption Allegations, Some Arrested and Charged
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reinforced its commitment to addressing corruption within its ranks, Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool announced during a press conference held today, January 15, at Police Headquarters.
In response to recommendations from a recent commission of inquiry, the RVIPF has fully staffed its Professional Standards Unit. The unit now comprises a chief inspector, an inspector, a sergeant, and two constables, tasked with handling public complaints about police misconduct.
“We have staffed the Professional Standards Unit with personnel dedicated to addressing complaints of corruption made by the public against police officers,” Acting Commissioner Vanterpool stated. “We ensure that these complaints are dealt with fairly and transparently. The public can rest assured that all corruption complaints are being addressed, and we will not tolerate any officer found to be corrupt remaining in this organisation.”
The Acting Commissioner revealed that there are currently 12 officers on interdiction, a step taken following allegations of corruption within the force. “Some have been arrested and charged, and are now before the court and are awaiting the outcome of the trials.” she explained.
Last week Police Constable Earlando Baynes, was charged following an internal investigation into a significant security breach. The breach, which occurred during a planned police operation in November 2024, involved the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information. This jeopardised the operation’s success and raised serious concerns about law enforcement integrity. Following the investigation, Baynes was arrested and charged with Breach of Trust by a Public Officer.
Commissioner Vanterpool acknowledged past challenges with public confidence due to a lack of communication about how complaints were handled. To address this, the RVIPF has implemented measures to keep the public informed about the status and outcomes of complaints.
“Over the years, there were concerns that complaints were made, but the public wasn’t hearing what the police were doing about them,” she said. “We’ve now improved in this area, and we are informing the public about what has been done, what remains outstanding, and what our goals are in handling these cases.”
While admitting there have been missteps in the past, Commissioner Vanterpool emphasised that significant improvements have been made in addressing complaints effectively and efficiently.
“Going forward, the Professional Standards Unit will continue to ensure that all complaints go through the proper processes, with every step completed thoroughly,” she added.
The Acting Commissioner reiterated the RVIPF’s commitment to fairness and transparency in rooting out corruption and restoring public trust.
Crime/Police
Tortola Hit by String of Shootings: RVIPF Investigates Fatality and Multiple Gunfire Incidents
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is investigating a series of shooting incidents that occurred overnight across Tortola, including the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man in Purcell Estate.
Police confirm that Quentinn Noel, 20, was shot and killed near his residence shortly before 2:00 a.m. today. Detectives from the Major Incident Team, supported by other RVIPF units, are actively pursuing leads to solve the case, which has been designated a high-priority investigation.
In addition to the fatal shooting, officers responded to reports of gunfire at three other locations during the past 24 hours. Proactive efforts by the police led to the seizure of a significant quantity of ammunition and the arrest of an individual in connection with firearms-related offences.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacquelyn Vanterpool will hold a press briefing at 4:00 p.m. today at Police Headquarters to provide updates on these incidents and outline ongoing efforts to address violent crime in the territory.
The RVIPF has emphasised the importance of community support in its investigations and is appealing to the public for information. Individuals with knowledge of any of the incidents are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality.
A 20-year-old man identified as Quintinn McGlore, also known as “MB,” was fatally shot in the early hours of January 15, in the Purcell community. The incident marks the first homici
de in the Virgin Islands for the year.
According to reports, gunfire startled residents at approximately 1:43 a.m. Emergency responders and police arrived shortly after and discovered McGlore’s lifeless body near a motorcycle. Investigators began collecting evidence as distraught family members arrived at the scene in visible anguish.
One resident shared their thoughts on the incident, suspecting the assailants fled the scene on foot. “There were no motorbikes or cars heard leaving the scene,” the resident said. “It seems like w
hoever did this was all on foot.”
Emergency services reportedly arrived at around 2:11 a.m., but McGlore was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is actively investigating the case and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
12 BVI Police Officers on Interdiction Amid Corruption Allegations, Some Arrested and Charged
12% Crime Increase Attributed to Money Boys Gang
USVI Resident Arrested in BVI for Possession of Ammunition
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