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Cayman Islands head arrested

December 11, 2012

McKeeva Bush, the head of the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean has been detained by police on allegations of corruption. The Cayman islands is well-known for its offshore financial facilities.

https://p.dw.com/p/1703Q
In this Aug. 3, 2012 photo, tourists walk along the beach of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman Island. The Cayman Islands have lost some of their allure by abruptly proposing what amounts to an income tax on expatriate workers who have helped build the territory into one of the most famous or, for some people, notorious offshore banking centers that have tax advantages for foreign investment operations. (Foto:David McFadden/AP/dapd)
Image: dapd

The leader of the Cayman Islands, Premier McKeeva Bush, was arrested by police on suspicion of corruption on Tuesday, according to authorities.

A statement issued by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said the 57-year-old premier of the British overseas territory (BOT) had been arrested at his home on Tuesday morning by the Financial Crime Unit.

He is suspected of carrying out theft and misusing a government credit card.

Bush also faces charges of breach of trust and abuse of office, for allegedly being involved in importing explosive substances without permits, according to the statement.

The Cayman Islands is a BOT in the western Caribbean Sea; although its governor is appointed by Britain and is responsible for external affairs and security, the country's parliament and premier is elected. It is also a popular offshore financial center.

Bush, who came to power in 2009 and is also the minister of finance and tourism, is the longest serving member of the country’s Legislative Assembly- he was first elected 18 years ago.

The Cayman Islands' governor has not yet commented on the arrest.

sej/pfd (Reuters, AP)