Last Updated on January 20, 2025, 4:34 AM AST by Admin 1
It has emerged that Corporal Cedric Williams, the lead investigating officer in the high-profile case involving fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, allegedly accepted regular bribes from Choksi’s wife, Priti Choksi.
A recent statement of Cpl Williams to expensive hired private detective indicates that he not only provided Mrs. Choksi with classified information critical to the probe but may have also actively assisted in fabricating evidence to bolster Choksi’s narrative in exchange for regular bribes from her. The alleged misconduct, spanning the duration of the investigation and beyond, raises grave concerns about the integrity of the case and casts a shadow over the judicial processes in one of the region’s most closely watched legal battles.
In an unofficial statement given on November 30, 2021 has further fueled the controversy, Cpl Cedric Williams admitted to being “too close” to Priti Choksi and her family during the investigation. “I was too close to Mrs. Choksi and her family in this matter and possibly telling her too much information,” Williams reportedly confessed, hinting at a troubling breach of professional boundaries. He also revealed that “Mrs. Choksi was very worried for my safety,” a remark that underscores the unusual closeness between the two during the critical stages of the investigation. This admission not only intensifies scrutiny of his role but also raises questions about how deeply this relationship may have influenced the handling of the case.
Following the exposure of his close relationship with Priti Choksi, Cpl Cedric Williams was promptly removed from the case, a decision that underscored the gravity of the allegations against him. In the aftermath of his transfer, Williams made a private statement to a detective hired by the Choksi family, a move that draws ethical and procedural violations.
In this statement, Williams expressed his apprehension, stipulating that “the statement is only being provided on the condition that my details will not be disclosed to the Antigua and Barbuda government.” This condition not only highlights his fear of repercussions but also reveals a blatant disregard for standard investigative protocols.
Williams’ failure to inform his superiors or report his actions to the lead investigator raises serious questions about his conduct. Legal experts suggest that his actions could fall under the purview of Section 18 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (2004) of Antigua and Barbuda, paving the way for criminal charges and disciplinary action against him.
Moreover, under Section 32(2)(B) of the 1952 Police Act of Antigua and Barbuda, any form of violence or misconduct against a senior officer constitutes a serious offense. This provision stipulates that offenders may face a fine of up to $3,000, with the possibility of imprisonment depending on the gravity of the violation. While this case does not explicitly involve physical violence, Cpl Williams’ actions, particularly his unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information and personal statement without informing his superiors could be interpreted as undermining the authority of the senior investigative team. Legal analysts suggest that if his behavior is deemed a breach of duty under this Act, it could further compound the legal ramifications he faces, alongside potential corruption charges.
Private detective Oliver Laurence admitted to our source that Corporal Cedric Williams allegedly accepted a $20,000 bribe from Priti Choksi in exchange for providing a special statement that corroborated Mehul Choksi’s kidnapping narrative. Laurence also provided a copy of the statement of Williams to our source. This development suggests a deliberate attempt to manipulate the investigation’s outcome, further compromising the integrity of the case.
In the personal statement provided by Cpl Cedric Williams, of which we have obtained a copy, his favoritism toward Priti Choksi becomes glaringly apparent. Throughout the document, Williams appears to demonstrate an overt level of support for Mrs. Choksi.
In Section 27 of the statement, Williams remarked, “Mrs. Choksi was very genuine in her concern for her husband’s disappearance,” a sentiment that aligns closely with the Choksi family’s narrative.
Further discrepancies arise when Williams disclosed that Mehul Choksi’s car, which was initially not found at the same place on the day of his alleged disappearance, mysteriously appeared the next morning. Williams missed to note that this could be a deliberate act orchestrated by Choksi’s associates to reinforce the kidnapping claim.
This assertion gains further weight in Section 34 of the statement, where Williams admitted that ‘Hani,’ a known close associate of Mehul Choksi, made a phone call to him immediately after planting the vehicle within the Jolly Harbour compound where the vehicle has been found now.
Cpl Williams appeared to rely on imaginary scenarios to lend credibility to the abduction narrative of Mehul Choksi. In Section 50 of his statement, Williams claimed, “Following my briefing, the superintendent from the special branch advised the group that intelligence had been received into his office that the Indian authorities were planning on coming to Antigua to get Mr. Choksi.” However, Williams deliberately refrained from naming the official who allegedly provided this intelligence, seemingly to avoid accountability or the risk of being contradicted.
Another glaring inconsistency lies in Williams’ failure to reconcile his own statements. He noted that “Choksi was advised by his lawyer not to be alone at any point because of these concerns.” If Choksi had adhered to this legal advice, the plausibility of his kidnapping becomes questionable.
In Section 68 of his statement, Cpl Cedric Williams claimed that a person named Colin informed him about spotting a boat called “Calliope of Arne” in the waters near Antigua and Barbuda, attempting to link it to Mehul Choksi’s disappearance. However, official records from the Customs and Immigration Department of Antigua and Barbuda directly contradict this assertion.
The records confirm that Calliope of Arne left the country earlier that same morning, long before Choksi’s disappearance later that evening. This timeline clearly indicates that Choksi was still at his residence when the vessel departed the jurisdiction.
Adding another layer to the case, a private detective Laurence, disclosed to our sources that Mehul Choksi had been planning his escape well in advance of his alleged disappearance. According to the detective, Choksi held meeting or meetings in April 2021, approximately a month before he vanished in May 2021. While specific details of these meetings remain undisclosed, their timing and nature suggest a premeditated effort to orchestrate his departure from Antigua and Barbuda.
Investigators believe that a thorough probe into these meetings could unveil critical new dimensions of the case, potentially shedding light on the Choksi’s preparations to evade justice.
