Neal Boodoosingh, a director of the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GTCIC) and president of the Tunapuna Police Station Community Council says that businesses are being plagued by criminals demanding exorbitant sums of money, labelled as a “security tax”.
He says that these demands can escalate to as much as a $150,000 lump sum payment.
Police Commissioner Erla Christopher earlier this month announced the creation of an Extortion Unit, to be led by ACP Richard Smith.
She said that the TTPS was well aware that there is a challenge and fear in reporting.
However she assured direct communication and confidentiality to those making reports to the police.
She explained that the TTPS has identified persons in each division so there will be a coordinated approach by ACP Smith.
Speaking to Express Business, Boodoosingh said Smith had effectively addressed the issue even before his official appointment, and there have already been noticeable improvements in Tunapuna.
A 2023 report from the International Labour Organisation revealed that 11% of businesses in Trinidad and Tobago listed corruption, crime, extortion and theft as dangers to their operation. Almost 4% of respondents identified crime, extortion and theft as the most significant business hazards.