Caroni Licensing Inspector Among THREE (3) Arrested In Fraudulent Vehicle Title Transfer Investigation
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), through its Fraud Squad, said it has made significant progress in an ongoing investigation into the fraudulent transfer of title for motor vehicle PDX 9296.
According to the TTPS, in April 2025, the Fraud Squad received a report from the Office of the Transport Commissioner, regarding the unlawful transfer of ownership of the said vehicle. Preliminary enquiries revealed that a Licensing Officer and a Clerk attached to the Licensing Office allegedly conspired with another individual to effect the transfer from a registered owner, who had been deceased for several years.
Ag. Cpl. Woodroffe was assigned to lead the investigation. Together with other Fraud Squad Officers, the TTPS said he conducted extensive enquiries, interviewed several persons, obtained official documents, recorded statements, and photographed the vehicle in question.
On Monday (6th October, 2025), a targeted operation was conducted under the direction of DCP - Intelligence and Investigations, Ms. Natasha George, and ACP - White Collar Crime Division, Mr. Denis Knutt, co-ordinated by Snr. Supt. Jackman, Supt. Lutchman, and ASP Thomas, and supervised by W/Insp. Horsford.
During the operation at the Licensing Office, Caroni, Fraud Squad Officers arrested:
- Noel Thomas, Licensing Inspector;
- Xavyon Smith, Clerk; and
- Ruddy Romero Armass, a 33-year-old female.
Following interviews conducted by the investigator and consultations with State Attorney Ms. Thompson, directives were issued for charges to be laid as follows:
- Noel Thomas and Xavyon Smith were to be charged with misbehaviour in public office; and
- Ruddy Romero Armass was to be charged with causing the transfer of title by virtue of a forged instrument.
Both Smith and Armass were formally charged by Ag. Cpl. Woodroffe. However, before being charged, Thomas complained of feeling unwell and was subsequently conveyed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (POSGH), where he remains warded under Police guard.
On Thursday (9th October, 2025), both Smith and Armass appeared before Master Libert at North Court C.
Armass was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 with a surety, and ordered to surrender her Passport to the Court Registrar within one (1) week. She must report to the Freeport Police Station every Sunday and is prohibited from leaving the country without Court permission. She is also barred from applying for a replacement Passport.
Smith was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with a surety, with no additional conditions attached.
The matters were adjourned to 22nd January, 2026, with a sufficiency hearing scheduled for 4th June, 2026.
The TTPS notes that the complainant is awaiting the discharge of Noel Thomas from Hospital, after which he will be formally charged with misbehaviour in public office.
The Fraud Squad is urging members of the public to ensure that all transactions at Government institutions are conducted lawfully. Persons found attempting to circumvent established procedures will face the full penalties under the law.
The TTPS said the Commissioner of Police, his Executive Team, and members of the TTPS “remain committed to working with stakeholders to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity within all public systems.”
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