Deputy speaker owned stolen car

Dion Smith is pictured during the election campaign.

As of Wednesday, April 19, 2017

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A BMW valued at $30,000 that was reported stolen from a rental company in Florida was later found in New Providence and said to be owned by Nassau Village’s incumbent MP Dion Smith, documents obtained by The Tribune show.

When found on the East Bay Street condominium property where Mr Smith lives, the BWM 328I bore a New Providence licence plate but did not have a licence disc affixed to its windshield, according to the leaked documents, raising questions about how a stolen vehicle was licensed without proper paperwork displaying its ownership.

Mr Smith, the Deputy Speaker of the recently dissolved House of Assembly, could not be reached for comment despite numerous attempts by The Tribune to contact him over the past several days. However, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts, told The Tribune that he spoke to Mr Smith about the issue several weeks ago after learning about “rumours” concerning the matter. According to Mr Roberts, Mr Smith had told him that he had bought the car from a local bank whose identity has been withheld by The Tribune.

According to Mr Roberts, Mr Smith told him he later sold the car to another man.

The rental company, Budget Rent a Car System Inc, traced its car to the Bahamas some time between 2015 to 2016.

It shared this information with officials at the Bahamas Consulate office in Miami. Subsequent inquiries led officials to determine that the car was said to be owned by Mr Smith, documents seen by this newspaper show.

A Broward County Sheriff Department employee told The Tribune yesterday that the car was discovered abandoned in Hollywood, Florida, on February 9 this year.

However, a Bahamas Department of Customs officer intimately familiar with the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, claimed that the car was returned from the Bahamas to its owner late last year.

The reason for this disparity is not known.

According to a letter sent from a Department of Customs official in 2015 to the Comptroller of Customs, a man from Grand Bahama identified as a person involved in illicit trade activities in South Florida used an alias to rent the BMW from the rental company on August 22, 2015.

The man registered the car under the fake identity “Trevor Johnson” of Carmichael Road NW 20th Street.

The car was supposed to be returned on August 24, 2015, but attempts by the rental company to get the man to return the car failed. The rental company subsequently filed a complaint with the police.

“Based on a previous enquiry we determined that the name, address and driver’s licence number (provided by the person) was false,” the letter, written last September by a senior Bahamas customs and revenue officer based in the US, noted.

The authenticity of the letter has been confirmed by The Tribune.

“The representative from Budget Rental contacted this office and advised that they have information that their vehicle is in New Providence,” the letter continued. “They also provided the coordinates of the location of the vehicle. Based on the information and the enquiry made, we have confirmed that the vehicle is currently in New Providence at Pilot House, East Bay Street.

“The vehicle does not have a license disc affixed to the windshield; however it bears New Providence license plates ... and (is) said to be owned by Dion Smith who resides at the same address. The original vehicle information number is also affixed to the vehicle.

“Budget Rental Group has provided a copy of the rental agreement and a copy of the Broward County Sheriff Police report. The rental company has expressed strongly to have their vehicle returned to them.”

Customs Comptroller Charles Turner declined to discuss the matter with The Tribune yesterday, saying the department does not discuss confidential information from customs files.

Asked about imported stolen vehicles more generally, he said all vehicles that leave the US must be cleared by US customs.

“Things do happen,” he added. “That same vehicle, not only did it not come through (Bahamas) customs, but it did not pass through customs clearance on the US side.”

In the past, customs and police officials have said some people who buy stolen vehicles are “victims of the circumstances.”

It’s not clear whether officials determined that to be the case in this instance.

Officials have repeatedly advised the public to check with police and customs officials before buying vehicles.

sheeprunner12 7 years, 8 months ago

That is the criminal ring used to import everything ILLEGAL to this country ......... from cars to guns, boats to furniture ........... The Customs Department has too many loopholes and too many of the customs officers are corrupt ...... the next government should introduce mandatory financial reporting legislation for everyone who works for government ...... from the GG to the janitor ....... There is too much corruption in the public sector ...... Too much public finances go unaccounted for because of corruption ....... The Treasury barely collects 50% of its revenue in a good year

Naughtydread 7 years, 8 months ago

Ironically I saw Bradley Roberts about 2 weeks back driving through Palmdale in a BMW with no license plate or disc affixed to the car. I wonder if this would happen to be the same vehicle in question!? These crooked pieces of sh*t need to be locked up. How come these jokers don't have to answer to the law, but if my license is expired for merely 1 day I am written up immediately! VOTE THIS SOB's OUT BEFORE IT IS TO LATE!

URD 7 years, 8 months ago

Agreed!

John 7 years, 8 months ago

So if The Tribune exposing Dion D. Smith as the owner of a stolen vehicle why is it withholding the name of the bank that allegedly sold it to him? And how was the car returned to the US? Would someone go through the trouble of taking a car out of the country, across the ocean, then leaving it abandoned on some highway? The US had a policy where preowned vehicles had to remain at the port for at least 3 weeks before they could be shipped out of the country. Then what with all the thousands of used vehicles coming from Japan every year? How many of them are stolen? Many persons, too have been ripped off with cars coming from Japan. Some with serious mechanical problems that the car had to be dumped because it was too costly to fix

concernedcitizen 7 years, 8 months ago

No bank sold it to Dion , that's his word .He got it from the criminal ring that were renting cars and shipping them here,probably free for getting them through custom .What the idiots did not realize ,BMW or Budget had a GPS on the car the crooks could not find ..He shipped it back and dumped it once he figured it out ,Bet you a grand Dion ain,t going to Miami any time soon lol

sealice 7 years, 8 months ago

So what we already new the PLP is using Glenys Hand Held's department to wash vehicle's registry's and to further add to confusion they don't bother with registering them because you may pull over one of these crooked arse politicos but the smart cop (even stupid ones) ain't gonna right the ticket. And as usual Mad Brad is spreading lies to further confuse the issue.....vote for me i ga getcha one nice new BMW.

sheeprunner12 7 years, 8 months ago

And the Comptroller now finds the moxy to say that his Department does not discuss confidential customs files .......... Well how did Bradley Roberts get the Mackey files and dragged him all through the political mud for 10K???????

God does not like ugly (BBBrad)

moncurcool 7 years, 8 months ago

Exactly. They gave out Mackey info. Jokey leaders.

Franklyn 7 years, 8 months ago

Again, another example of how Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI) would capture vehicles entering the country that are stolen, or vehicles with defects that become financial and health liabilities to owners, not to mention the causes of deaths.

This PLP government ether rejected (for petty political reasons) our offer to provide PTI services in the Bahamas (or wanted to protect their evil practices or handed the proposal on to friends, family or lovers) for future implementation.

The purpose of the Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI) of the vehicle proposal is to establish, in The Bahamas, a network of privately owned vehicle inspection facilities called Testing Centers (TCs). The Testing Centers (TCs) will be staffed with specially trained individuals called Vehicle Inspectors (VIs).

The primary function of the Testing Centers (TCs) is to provide Roadworthiness Inspection for new and used, reconstructed, specially constructed, modified, flood, recovered theft, collectible and street rods vehicles.

Inspection Certificates would be issued in strict compliance with the vehicle regulations, policies and procedures of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and The Road Traffic Department.

Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) of vehicles will make a major contribution to improving road safety and prevent stolen vehicles from entering the country - at the point of entry.

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2017…

banker 7 years, 8 months ago

There was an effort several years ago to not only do technical inspections, but also environmental inspections (clean air or pollution testing). That initiative died when the FNM lost the election to the PLP.

DDK 7 years, 8 months ago

At what cost to whom, pray tell?

Franklyn 7 years, 8 months ago

...I hell of a lot less than some fool with bad brake running into you.

observer2 7 years, 8 months ago

Not useful as we have very low octane gas which is just above diesel in its ability to pollute the environment.

banker 7 years, 8 months ago

What are the octane numbers? I never look or do not trust displayed figures.

Franklyn 7 years, 8 months ago

A properly maintained vehicle will burn gasoline to an acceptable clean air level. working with environmental agencies and the UN (who has done a wealth of work in the area of clean air) a customized solution for the Bahamas is achievable in order to create a "Clean Air Road User Policy" and safer roads for Bahamians.

Franklyn 7 years, 8 months ago

fake info: the new car industry will tell you "oh the Bahamas has poor quality fuel so we cant sell this or that car in the Bahamas ...well, he is not selling the car because the fuel octane level is low so the car would cause more pollutants ..no, he is not selling that car here because that car (as is the case with German Vehicles) their calibration is set electronically to perform at an optimum rate of performance, burning better fuel and obtaining better mileage. = less fuel/stronger combustion.

sheeprunner12 7 years, 8 months ago

Mackey confessed and paid up his Customs bill ............ Dion Smith needs to face the music and answer to a public who he wants to represent (again) in Parliament .......... watsayu?????

banker 7 years, 8 months ago

watsayu?????

I know that name. Apparently an FNM turncoat. Swallowed his pride, his dignity, his morals and his opinions and joined the PLP.

TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago

Comrades while there is no evidence of any direct wrongdoing by the MP, the reaction by the PLP's Chairman is a far cry to that when the policeman's dispatched an special aircraft accompanied by bulletproof vested officers to scoop-up and arrest a man on Eleuthera in connection with alleged registering to vote twice -to be flown to the capital and paraded before the media cameras as he was escorted under the guard of several heavily armed policeman's.
Comrades, there is not a single mention in this story of any local police involvement in this alleged stolen car caper?
And, this should make all you to rethink that we should trust the hanging of our citizens to this broken and twisted system?

sheeprunner12 7 years, 8 months ago

Tal ........... admit that this PLP government is no better than a sub-Saharan African strongman dictatorship .......... take your pick of country (from Senegal to Somalia)

licks2 7 years, 8 months ago

Mr. Smith should be arrested like the rest of us would be if we find ourselves in such a murky car deal. . .he could not get it licensed. . .he missed the bank check of the car's VIN (which all banks do for cars they finance). . .after being confronted by Mr. Roberts the car was not turned over to the Police or the owners but was re-shipped to the USA and abandoned in the street. . .all this meaning hat at least Mr. Smith and by extension, Mr. Roberts knew about a crime being committed. . .and at least being complicit in smuggling through the car being returned to the US with no authority being aware of its movement to and from the Bahamas! This man is so mixed up in this crap it een funny! He have plenty questions to answer. . .why did he not returned the car back to the bank he got the money from to finance the car purchase. . .but returned it to his "dealer". . .while still paying back the bank for a car that ended up in the USA?

TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago

Comrades! I suspect the alleged stolen BMW automobile was tracked to Nassau - by its GPS tracking device installed on the vehicle?
I have ask if the Tribune reporter contacted the policeman's for a statement? From reading this story it would seem likes not only did more than a few locals know about this automobile's tall tales - but the story didn't just come to surface?

Franklyn 7 years, 8 months ago

the more important element for me as a road user, is knowing that my fellow road user's vehicle is at a roadworthy standard where my family - my 9-year-old son can have a chance - better odds of returning home safely, because more vehicle owners would have proper technical inspection (PTI) of basic features that legally allows him to operate that vehicle in public as required by Bahamian (and International Law) - properly balance brakes, adjusted headlight ..etc. as per manufacturers suggested maintenance which is ignored. Poorly maintained vehicles are a costly negligence for many innocent members of the public who are affected daily in accidents, suffering horrific injuries, disabilities …and even death.
Dimming of headlights and blowing of horns is not sufficient to determine a 2 – 5 ton vehicle to be safe; and fit for road use.

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2017…

banker 7 years, 8 months ago

You would be surprised at the roster of people living in Pilot House. The security guard at the gate is keeper of secrets. There is a certain prominent fellow there who has female visitors -- all wearing school uniforms. Whether they are actually school age or just playing a part for "entertainment purposes" is not clear. Pilot House is certainly an interesting place.

ohdrap4 7 years, 8 months ago

if the reporter has a couple of dollars to go to the registry, he will also find the liens against the homeowners for non payment of maintenance fees.

Would this be featured on any financial disclosures, i wonder.

TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago

Comrade misguided advocates for introducing PTI Centers are smoking out just another way reach into the pockets vehicle owners.
I seriously doubt people are actually importing more than a but a few cars 10 years old or older - the real dangers to the environment and saftey of others.
I am pretty sure marine engines are a much greater threat to the environment than the cars on the road which government can easily control via import regulations that would restrict imports to 10 model years or new - unless declared as an import under a special collectors car permit.

Regardless 7 years, 8 months ago

,,,,BMW....PLP....Miami....follow the money.....

TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago

Comrades! I could swear to my sweet Jesus, that this is the same Pilot House in the news back in September 2012, alleging that a certain high-profile resident had been accused of launching into a “tirade” at the building when they were in a "tirade' whilst tearing down notices, using racial slurs and leaving several fellow tenants fearing for their safety?
Must be something floating around in da air at this place?

avidreader 7 years, 8 months ago

Very pleased to see that I am not the only person with a long memory. Good to see certain points raised here. However, those seeking office at this time are far more reliant upon memories that are much shorter. As I have quoted before" "My people are dying from lack of knowledge". How many of the so-called "grass roots" upon whom one party in particular seems to depend heavily, are capable of disciplined reasoning and basic research? I am fairly certain that the number is quite low.

Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago

It's all too obvious that even the cursory or perfunctory investigation would quickly reveal that both Dion Smith and Bradley Roberts should be charged with a host of criminal charges in connection with this matter. But B. J. Nottage, Keith Bell and Police Commissioner Greenslade are not up to the task which means that each of them has violated their oath of office by failing to discharge their required public duties.

John 7 years, 8 months ago

So crime and corruption runs rampant in the PLP. A few years ago someone said some 'higher ups' are responsible for a number of the murders that are happening in this country. When the heat is on they would lock up young, innocent men and charge them with murder. Those men use to get bail after they spent two or three years in jail. But as soon as they walked out of the prison gate they were gunned down and murdered. Then the police would come in the media and say 'he was a prolific offender ' or 'he was on bail for murder.' And so the investigation would end right there. Now a person holding one of the highest post in the executive branch of government involved in a car theft ring...can you imagine if this goes on another five years?

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