Money-Laundering Charge Laid Against Patrick Gibbon Mitchell

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has reported that a money-laundering charge has been laid against Patrick Gibbon Mitchell of Ravine Chabot, Castries. The charge stems from extended financial investigations initiated after a late-night traffic stop conducted by the Police in June 2024, which led to the seizure of a quantity of cash and drugs from his vehicle.

Background

In June 2024, during a routine traffic stop, law enforcement officers discovered a significant amount of cash and drugs in Mitchell's vehicle. This discovery prompted a subsequent search of his residence in Marchand, revealing additional quantities of drugs and three rounds of live émm ammunition.

Legal Proceedings

On April 10, 2025, Mitchell was convicted in the First District Court of possession of cannabis resin and fined $4,000, in addition to a fine of $6,000 for unlawful possession of ammunition.

On February 9, 2026, Financial Investigators formally arrested and charged Mitchell with the offence of Money-Laundering under section 30(1)(A) of the Money-Laundering (Prevention) Act, in relation to the sum of $62,000 EC, $3,954 USD, and €1,670 recovered by police during the June 2024 operation.

Bail and Forfeiture Proceedings

Mitchell appeared before a First District Court Magistrate on February 9, 2026, where he was granted bail in the sum of $50,000. As a condition of his bail, Mitchell was required to surrender all travel documents to the Court and to report to the Marchand Police Station every Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

In addition to the Money-Laundering charge, forfeiture proceedings for the recovered cash have also been initiated by the FIA.

Next Steps

The matter has been adjourned to April 16, 2026, for hearing. The FIA continues to work diligently to combat financial crimes and uphold the integrity of Saint Lucia's financial system.