Claims anti-corruption watchdog planning raid on his house

Former national security minister and member of parliament for St Mary Western, Robert Montague, has accused the island’s anti-corruption watchdog of pursuing a witch hunt against, claiming in Parliament that the Integrity Commission (IC) is reportedly planning to carry out a raid on his house.

“Madam Speaker, there is a witch hunt out on me. Madam Speaker, I understand that they are planning to raid my house. I have no problem or objection. A person from a media house has asked around where I live because they are coming to cover a raid at my house. If this planned raid is a fact, is this an abuse or misuse of power?” he questioned as he amde the revealtions in Parliament this afternoon.

“They are trying to shut me up. They are hell-bent on destroying me,” he continued.

In March 2022, the former security minister was accused of granting gun permits to persons with a criminal background. He has since denied any wrongdoings, stating that he operated under the law. Similarly, former minister of security Peter Bunting was accused of granting gun licences to a person of questionable character; he denied any wrongdoings.

Following a statement from Bunting requesting a review, the IC concluded last month that Bunting acted within the recommendations of the Firearm Review Board of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) and did not break any laws.

Montague made a similar request for a review, but the IC rejected his request.

“They could not find one instance where I broke the law. They could not find any abuse of power, they could not find any action resulting from bribery or fraud, and they did not name me in their final recommendations. They made no recommendations for any actions against me. They made no recommendations for me to refer to any other investigative body or agency.

“Madame Speaker, significantly, the Integrity Commission could not get a ruling against me from their own director of corruption prosecution. The reasons are that there was no corrupt act by me. Therefore, the report did not reach the standard set in law,” said Montague in his complaint to Parliament.

According to Montague, the IC sent letters him two letters, one requesting additional information on his 2018 to 2022 returns and another requesting information on his 2016 returns. He said that both requests have since been withdrawn, and there is a third request that he also believes will be withdrawn.

The St Mary Western MP believes the IC is abusing its power and will strike again before the next general election.

“They are going to continue asking for information and then, of course, charge me just before or as an election is called. You mark my words, record it and let’s see. They are above criticism, if you do, they come after you. What a state of affairs. Look out for the statement or posting after this,” the aggrieved parliamentarian stated.

Montague also renewed his call for a meeting of the oversight committee to consider and analyze the March 2022 Integrity Commission report, so his name can be cleared.