It has come to light that Corporal Cedric Williams, the lead investigator in the high-profile case involving fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, is alleged to have accepted regular bribes from Choksi’ wife, Priti Choksi.
As per the sources, a recent statement from Cpl Williams to a privately hired detective suggests that he not only provided Mrs. Choksi with sensitive information crucial to the investigation but may have also played a role in fabricating evidence to support Choksi’s story, all in exchange for ongoing bribes from her. This alleged misconduct, which occurred throughout the investigation and beyond, raises serious concerns about the case’s integrity and casts a shadow over the judicial processes in one of the region’s most closely watched legal battles.
An unofficial statement made on November 30, 2021, has only deepened the controversy. In this statement, Cpl Cedric Williams admitted to being “too close” to Priti Choksi and her family during the investigation. “I was too close to Mrs. Choksi and her family in this matter and possibly told her too much information,” Williams reportedly confessed, suggesting a troubling breach of professional boundaries. He also revealed that “Mrs. Choksi was very worried for my safety,” a comment that underscores the unusual closeness between the two during the investigation’s most critical phases. This admission not only heightens scrutiny of his actions but also raises questions about how this relationship may have impacted the case.
Sources also confirmed that after the revelation of his close connection to Priti Choksi, Cpl Cedric Williams was quickly removed from the case, a move that highlighted the severity of the allegations against him. Following his reassignment, Williams made a private statement to a detective hired by the Choksi family, a decision that raises further concerns about ethical and procedural breaches.
In his statement, Williams expressed his apprehension, specifying that “the statement is only being provided on the condition that my details will not be disclosed to the Antigua and Barbuda government.” This condition not only reflects his fear of consequences but also reveals a clear disregard for standard investigative procedures.
Williams’ failure to inform his superiors or report his actions to the lead investigator has raised serious questions about his conduct. Legal experts suggest that his behavior could fall under Section 18 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (2004) of Antigua and Barbuda, potentially leading to criminal charges and disciplinary measures against him.
Additionally, under Section 32(2)(B) of the 1952 Police Act of Antigua and Barbuda, any form of misconduct or insubordination toward a senior officer is considered a grave offense. This provision allows for a fine of up to $3,000 and possible imprisonment depending on the seriousness of the violation. Although this case does not involve physical violence, Cpl Williams’ actions—particularly the unauthorized release of sensitive information and personal statements without informing his superiors—could be seen as undermining the senior investigative team’s authority. Legal analysts suggest that if his conduct is deemed a breach of duty under this Act, it could exacerbate the legal consequences he faces, along with potential corruption charges.
Private investigator Oliver Laurence confirmed to the source that Corporal Cedric Williams allegedly accepted a bribe of $20,000 from Priti Choksi in return for providing a special statement that supported the narrative of Mehul Choksi’s kidnapping. Laurence also provided a copy of Williams’ statement to the source. This revelation suggests a deliberate attempt to manipulate the investigation’s outcome, further compromising the case’s integrity.
In the personal statement provided by Cpl Cedric Williams, which we have obtained, his bias toward Priti Choksi becomes starkly evident. Throughout the document, Williams appears to show significant favor toward Mrs. Choksi.
In Section 27 of the statement, Williams stated, “Mrs. Choksi was very genuine in her concern for her husband’s disappearance,” a sentiment that closely aligns with the Choksi family’s version of events.
Discrepancies also arise when Williams mentioned that Mehul Choksi’s car, which was not located at the scene of his alleged disappearance on the day in question, mysteriously reappeared the following morning. Williams failed to consider that this could have been a calculated move by Choksi’s associates to reinforce the kidnapping narrative.
This theory gains more traction in Section 34 of his statement, where Williams acknowledged that ‘Hani,’ a known associate of Mehul Choksi, contacted him immediately after placing the vehicle within the Jolly Harbour compound, where it was later found.
Cpl Williams appeared to rely on hypothetical scenarios to lend weight to the abduction narrative involving Mehul Choksi. In Section 50 of his statement, Williams stated, “Following my briefing, the superintendent from the special branch informed the group that intelligence had been received in his office that Indian authorities were planning to come to Antigua to apprehend Mr. Choksi.” However, Williams intentionally refrained from naming the official who allegedly provided this intelligence, likely to avoid accountability or the possibility of being contradicted.
Another significant inconsistency is found in Williams’ failure to reconcile his own statements. He mentioned that “Choksi was advised by his lawyer not to be alone at any point due to these concerns.” If Choksi had followed this legal advice, the plausibility of his kidnapping would seem questionable.
In Section 68 of his statement, Cpl Cedric Williams claimed that an individual named Colin had informed him about seeing a boat called “Calliope of Arne” near Antigua and Barbuda, attempting to link it to Mehul Choksi’s disappearance. However, official records from the Customs and Immigration Department of Antigua and Barbuda directly contradict this claim.
The records confirm that the “Calliope of Arne” had already departed the country earlier that same morning, long before Choksi’s disappearance later that evening. This timeline clearly shows that Choksi was still at his residence when the vessel left the jurisdiction.
Adding more complexity to the case, private investigator Laurence revealed to the sources that Mehul Choksi had been planning his escape well in advance of his alleged disappearance. According to the detective, Choksi held meetings in April 2021, around a month before he vanished in May 2021. Although the exact details of these meetings remain undisclosed, their timing and nature strongly suggest a premeditated plan to facilitate his departure from Antigua and Barbuda.
Investigators believe that a thorough investigation into these meetings could uncover crucial new aspects of the case, potentially shedding light on Choksi’s preparations to avoid facing justice.
