Taxi service owner further remanded on fraud charges

The legal proceedings against Omeca Primo, owner of Primo’s Imports and Taxi Service, intensified on Monday as she returned to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where the 55 fraud charges were previously read to her, bringing the total charges against her to 68.
In a persistent stance against bail, the prosecution objected to Primo’s release, reiterating her history of evasion. Prosecutor Melvin Scott told the court that Primo had been elusive for weeks, having been apprehended only through a police sting operation.
“The accused has a track record of frequent moves and changes, including switching her phone number, business location, and even the name of her enterprise, complicating the investigation,” Scott explained.
Scott underscored the gravity of the situation, reminding the court that Primo is currently facing a total of 68 charges. He argued that granting bail could undermine public confidence in the judicial process and jeopardise the safety of individuals involved.
“This case impacts public interest significantly,” Scott stated, arguing that continued remand would best serve both the court and alleged victims.
As a result, Chief Magistrate McGusty ordered that Primo remain in custody but expressed concern over procedural delays that might hinder the case from moving forward. She pointed out the case’s potential to stall, as Primo has not yet been required to enter a plea.
“At this stage, we still have Miss Primo as the accused, and she has not yet pleaded,” McGusty remarked, signaling that further delays could raise questions of fairness and efficiency.
Magistrate McGusty granted the prosecution a two-week timeframe to seek guidance on how best to proceed. They must decide whether to treat the charges as indictable, which could lead to a higher court trial, or pursue summary disposal for a faster resolution. She cautioned that should the prosecution fail to determine a clear path within this period, she would be compelled to consider bail options at the next hearing.
The case stems from allegations that Primo collected millions of dollars ($51.57M) from customers under false pretences, promising vehicle deliveries that were neither completed nor refunded. Victims span several regions, including Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10, with claims of intimidation and financial losses emerging as the investigation continues. The Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Anti-Fraud Unit is urging other victims to come forward, highlighting that the scale of the alleged deception may be even larger than presently documented.
The case will resume on November 25. (G9)