Federal prosecutors in Miami have charged Andrew Fahie and two others with conspiracy to smuggle cocaine and money laundering, according to the US Department of Justice. On Friday, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss confirmed that the 51-year-old had been arrested in the United States. Ms Trous said she was “frightened” by the allegations and that an “emergency meeting of the cabinet” was to be held on Friday. Read more: How US law enforcement stung BVI premiere in drug and money laundering investigation Fahie was detained as part of an operation led by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to a statement released by the then Governor of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) John Rankin. It comes as an investigation – not linked to Fahie’s allegations or his initial arrest – has concluded that the BVI should suspend its constitution, disband the elected government and effectively return to direct rule from London. Image: BVI report ordered in 2021 by British Overseas Governor John Rankin Mr Rankin ordered the report to investigate “corruption, abuse of power and other serious dishonesty” in British overseas governance. He explained that British Judge Gary Hickinbottom, who led the investigation, had concluded that “drastic and urgent measures” had to be taken to stop elected officials from “deliberately ignoring the principles of good governance”. Mr Rankin added: “He notes that the people of BVI deserve better and that the UK Government owes them an obligation to protect them from such abuses and to help them achieve their ambitions for self-government as a modern democracy.” The report recommended that any new administrative arrangements last for two years, but added that the ministerial government should continue “as soon as possible”. If London accepts the recommendation, Mr Rankin – a British career diplomat – will take over the day-to-day running of BVI.
