Public Warned of Ongoing Scam Activity

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is issuing a renewed warning to the public regarding the ongoing fraudulent activities perpetrated by Desi Williams, a fugitive from Sandy Point. Williams, wanted since July 7, 2024, and believed to be residing on another Caribbean island, continues to defraud individuals through elaborate schemes involving the sale of non-existent vehicles and land, primarily using fake profiles on Facebook Marketplace. Despite previous warnings, Williams persists in his deceptive practices, exploiting the platform’s reach to target unsuspecting victims. The police urge the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online transactions and to remain vigilant against these fraudulent schemes.

Williams’ most recent scam involved the advertisement of a vehicle under the fictitious Facebook profile “Blu Danielle.” This fraudulent profile lured a prospective buyer into transferring funds incrementally via mobile banking. After receiving several payments, the perpetrator, posing as the seller, fabricated further requirements for additional funds. When the buyer refused to comply with these fabricated demands, all communication ceased, leaving the victim financially exploited with neither the promised vehicle nor a refund. This modus operandi reflects a consistent pattern observed in Williams’ previous scams, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and preventative measures.

This recurring pattern of fraudulent activity typically involves several key elements: the seller invariably claims to be off-island but promises imminent return; funds are solicited through money transfers or mobile banking to local accounts not belonging to the purported seller; potential buyers are often pressured or emotionally manipulated into sending money before verifying the product’s existence or ownership; and communication abruptly terminates once the fraudulent seller receives the funds. This calculated strategy underscores the deceptive nature of Williams’ operations and the urgent need for individuals to exercise caution and due diligence in online transactions.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, while having taken steps to freeze Williams’ bank accounts and assets, acknowledges his persistent reliance on local accomplices to facilitate the receipt and transfer of illicit funds. This complex network of collaborators allows Williams to continue his fraudulent operations despite the authorities’ efforts. The police are actively pursuing these accomplices and emphasize the serious legal ramifications of aiding and abetting a wanted fugitive, highlighting the applicability of the Fugitive Offenders Act, Sec 5(3), and other relevant laws.

The police offer crucial advice to protect individuals from falling victim to these scams. Paramount among these recommendations is the absolute necessity of verifying ownership and meeting in person before transferring any funds for high-value items advertised online. Furthermore, individuals are strongly advised to avoid engaging with sellers claiming to be off-island or employing high-pressure tactics. Reporting suspicious listings and fake profiles directly to the police is also crucial in disrupting these fraudulent operations. Finally, avoiding sending funds to strangers via mobile banking, Western Union, MoneyGram, or similar services is paramount in safeguarding against financial exploitation.

The police are not merely issuing warnings; they are actively pursuing Williams and his network of accomplices. They are committed to bringing these individuals to justice and dismantling their criminal enterprise. The message to Williams’ accomplices is clear: aiding and abetting a wanted fugitive carries severe legal consequences. The police are actively investigating and will prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law. The public’s cooperation in sharing this information is vital to protecting the community and preventing further financial harm. Working together, the community can remain informed, vigilant, and protected against these ongoing scams. The police emphasize that financial peace of mind depends on collective awareness and proactive measures.