Former Bahamas Ambassador to China and Free National Movement (FNM) Senator Elma Campbell and her son, attorney Che Chase, were charged in the magistrates’ court with defrauding the Ministry of Tourism of $1.2 million.
Campbell, 64, and Chase, 37, pleaded not guilty when they made their initial appearance before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt Tuesday.
Prosecutors allege the pair falsely obtained the money from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
Chase was also charged with possession of a forged document and uttering a forged document.
Prosecutors allege he cashed a forged $1.2 million Ministry of Tourism check that was payable to Campbell Chase Law on September 6th, 2019.
The mother and son were also charged with more than a dozen money laundering charges.
It is alleged that they laundered the funds between September 6th, 2019 and October 16th, 2019 through bank transfers, withdrawals and the purchase of a luxury car.
Marketing executive Leah Davis also faced two counts of money laundering in connection with this case.
However, hours after she was arraigned, the charges against her were withdrawn.
Davis was released from custody on Tuesday afternoon.
Businessman Damalus Curry faced a single count of money laundering. Prosecutors say he allegedly helped Chase and Campbell launder $465,000 on October 16.
Cambpell and Chase were charged with laundering the money through Curry’s company, Bahamas Outdoor Media.
Campbell and Chase were granted bail after their attorneys made applications at the Supreme Court. Curry was remanded to the Central Police Station.
They are expected back in court on March 30 for a fixture hearing.
