Cops to probe alleged extortion in prison

Chairman of the Legal Aid Authority Chateram Sinanan has called for an immediate police investigation into alleged extortion in prison. He made the call last Thursday after he informed acting deputy chief magistrate Rajendra Rambachan that the family of two of his clients received threatening phone calls demanding money in exchange for the safety of their relatives in jail.

Sinanan said relatives of his client, Chad Ling Chung, 21, received telephone calls saying if they did not pay, Ling Chung, who lived in Diego Martin, would be found in prison with his throat slit. Rambachan, who expressed alarm, said: “That is extortion.” Sinanan said he met with Senior Supt Lewis about the matter and Lewis said he would investigate.

He requested bail for Ling Chung, who is facing robbery charges. Rambachan granted him $80,000 bail. He also ordered the accused report to the West End Police Station every Saturday as a condition of bail. He will reappear in court on September 27. Sinanan, speaking with reporters afterwards, said Ling Chung’s relatives wired $2,000 into an account, fearing for his safety.

“They told the family if the money is not paid he would be found in the prison with his throat slit. “I had a similar case two weeks ago, similar allegation. Telephone numbers were supplied and this information given to the police. The person is now on bail. A threat was made. I hope the police will investigate,” he said. He said by next week he will arrange with for his client to give Lewis a statement.

Ling Chung is charged with robbing Michael Byer on August 5, at Southern Main Road, Marabella, of $60, a $1,500 cellphone, a national identification card, a driver’s permit and a car valued at $45,000.