As the T&T Police Service continues their investigation into the Security Services Agency (SSA) shake-up, they have now interviewed pastor Ian Brown, the man at the centre of the issue.
Contacted yesterday, Brown told Guardian Media, “Yes, I was questioned with matters that had no connection to the warrant. The warrant is a scam, and I don’t know if or what they could or would have planted there. They were all over the house, and I was not given the opportunity to see what they were doing, neither were family allowed. They were all made to stand up outside the house in the hot sun. I’m discovering daily items missing from my office and cupboards.”
Last week, Brown stepped forward and identified himself as a spy with the agency, after his Arima property was raided on March 9.
Brown had told Guardian Media that his rationale for going public last week was to protect members of his church still employed at the SSA, whose jobs he believed were on the line. One of the people he claims affected is his son, who was employed at the agency before him.
He had said he was “keeping watch” over how the matters are handled and depending on the outcome, will determine his next course of action.
Despite the ongoing investigation at the agency and the interrogation by police, Brown insisted yesterday he is still employed and unlike other employees, who have had their equipment seized and security clearances revoked, still has his SSA-issued firearm.
Last week, about five SSA members from cyber defence and cyber operation units, including deputy director of intelligence Joanne Daniel and Brown’s son, were suspended.
This as acting SSA director Anthony Phillips Spencer continues his probe into the agency’s operations, hiring practices and the vulnerability of the organisation.
When questioned on his next moves, following the suspensions, Brown answered: “I am speaking with my lawyers only.”
Last week, the TTPS seized several guns from the SSA for forensic testing in connection with allegations they may be linked to crimes.
Guardian Media was able to identify three murders with links to the SSA now being reinvestigated.
On March 2, director Major Roger Best was sent on administrative leave and Phillips Spencer was appointed acting director.
Days before Best was sent on leave, Special Branch requested information from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations in relation to the 2019 double murder.
The Government has sought international assistance to determine how much and to what extent the State’s national security apparatus is compromised and how to address it effectively.
Dr Rowley had said Best was sent on leave based on troubling information provided to the National Security Council (NSC) by the TTPS. The information, he said, warranted drastic intervention.