PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A pastor was granted TT$10 million (US$1.47 million) bail when he appeared in court on Thursday on money laundering charges.
Pastor Vinworth Dayal, who heads the Third Exodus Assembly Church, is charged with being in possession of a total of TT$30 719 938 (US$4.5 million) in cash knowing that part or all was the proceedings of criminal activity.
He appeared before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gaffor who granted him bail on the condition that he surrender his passport. He was ordered him to return to court on July 29.
The charges against Pastor Dayal stem from his attempts to change TT$28 028,600 (US$4.1 million) in old $100 notes at the Central Bank, on December 31, 2019, the deadline for turning in those old notes for new polymer replacements.
When officers from the Financial Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at his church, another TT$2 691 338 (US$396 220) in smaller denominations was found.
The money was seized, pending the conclusion of the case. (CMC)
