Woman in custody as police probe fraud at construction firm

A woman is in police custody at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station as authorities investigate allegations of large-scale financial fraud, forgery, and stealing by reason of employment involving a Nassau-based construction company.

Monique Minnis is a former employee of Paradise Contracting Services and Rule Construction, companies owned by contractor Rudolph Beneby. Minnis commenced employment in July 2023 and was responsible for accounting, payroll, banking transactions, immigration documentation, and statutory payments to several government agencies.

According to information, irregularities were first discovered in December 2023 after several foreign workers employed on a project at the Jon Baptiste Jazz Bar at Baha Mar were detained for lacking valid immigration documentation. The workers, all Chinese nationals, were reportedly part of a group of 17 employees for whom work permits were to be processed by Minnis.

Investigators allege that permits were paid for only five workers, while documentation for the remaining 12 was falsified.

Subsequent checks with the Department of Immigration reportedly confirmed that multiple documents presented by the company were fraudulent. Authorities were also alerted to alleged forged records from the National Insurance Board, the Department of Inland Revenue, ScotiaBank, and the Goodmans Bay Corporate Centre.

Following the immigration findings, the company initiated a full financial reconciliation. An independent auditor and certified public accountant were engaged, and investigators allege the review revealed extensive misappropriation of company funds totaling approximately $1.5 million over several months.

Police were further informed that company bank statements had allegedly been altered to underreport revenue to Inland Revenue and that rental payments shown as paid were, in fact, not received by the landlord.

In August, the company reportedly received notice that rent was in arrears for two quarters, prompting further scrutiny of payment records, which investigators allege were fraudulent.

Minnis was suspended from duties pending the outcome of the internal and police investigations. Authorities are also reviewing allegations of similar conduct during her previous employment at another construction firm.