Search Warrants Executed At Money Gram In St. Thomas As Agent Allegedly Steals $1.4 Million; Uses $400,000 To Buy Home

ST. THOMAS — The Economic Crimes Unit of the Virgin Islands Police Department executed Search Warrants at the six Money Gram outlets throughout the territory: 3 on St. Thomas, 1 on St. John and 2 on St. Croix, VIPD Public Information Officer Kevin Jackson issued this afternoon has revealed.

The execution of the search warrants stems from an investigation into the Money Gram Business operated by Alvery Smith and his wife, Ana Garcia for the alleged embezzlement of over 1.4 million in revenues from the corporation. The couple was honored in 2013 by the Small Business Development Center for “exemplifying sound business practices”

The search warrants include business as well as two residences, one of which was recently purchased by the couple for over $400,000 in the exclusive Est. Bakkeroe area on St. Thomas, and is undergoing additional construction.

Agents descended upon the stores confiscating computers, receipts, and bank statements that can be used to track records of all transactions. The Money Gram services were suspended on August 14, 2015 at Xpress Payment Center & Money Wire Transfer at Tutu Park Mall, Mail Plus at #23 Dronningens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, and Mail Plus at Nisky Center.

On St. Croix, the operations were suspended at Xpress Payment Center & Money Wire Transfer in Plaza Extra Supermarket at Estate Sion Farm and Xpress Payment Center & Money Wire Transfer in Plaza Extra Supermarket at Estate Plessen. They were also suspended on St. John at Xpress Payment Center & Money Wire Transfer at 7-4A Cruz Bay.

Money Gram services at three locations in St Thomas remain operational, as they are under different management and ownership.

Anyone with information concerning Money Gram is asked to phone the Economic Crime Unit at 340-778-2211 on St. Croix or 340- 774-3942 on St. Thomas or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or go to www.crimestoppersusvi.org

Feature Image: From left: Mail Plus business owned by Alvery Smith and wife, Ana Garcia. The picture collage also includes two images showing construction currently being conducted on the newly purchased $400,000 home.