Businesswoman Vicky Boodram, who is already facing 109 fraud charges, was yesterday slapped with 39 more charges involving money amounting to $600,000, arising from a series of unrelated fraud allegations. Boodram is expected to appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate today.
The travel agent was arrested by Fraud Squad detectives last Tuesday when she attended the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court, where she is facing charges arising out cruise ship packages. She was then taken to the Port-of-Spain Fraud and subsequently charged.
Boodram, who is out on $2 million bail, is also charged with two money laundering offences.
The current offences, which include larceny by trick and uttering forged documents, involve multiple victims and different transactions. The offences were allegedly committed between 2014 and 2015. It is alleged that Boodram advertised a concert featuring a top Indian singer. Several people bought $1,000 tickets but the concert never came off.
It is also alleged that she advertised on a gospel radio station, homes for sale around Christmas time. It is alleged that she took a downpayment from several people for the homes, which she never delivered.
In another instance, it is alleged that she stole personal cheque leaves from an attorney and a justice of peace. The other charge alleged that she tried to use those cheques to pay for advertisements on the radio station. Investigators said she is also charged with trying to purchase a vehicle with a forged cheque.
Investigations were headed by Sr Supt Dookie, ASP Kent Ghisyawan, Insp Abbot and Insp Dipchan. Charges were laid by WPC Bernard, WPC Headly, WPC Kissoonsingh and Cpl Lutchman. - Sascha Wilson