The Constabulary Financial Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has acknowledged public expectations for swift results in the ongoing Stocks and Securities Limited fraud investigation, while emphasizing that complex financial probes require time, diligence and thorough analysis.
Prior to charges being laid on Sunday against three former executives of the collapsed investment firm, only one individual had been charged since the investigation began in January 2023. The Financial Investigations Division is leading the probe, supported by the Constabulary Financial Unit and other law enforcement partners.
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Head of the Constabulary Financial Unit, Inspector Brenton Williams, said the alleged fraud was both longstanding and highly sophisticated. He explained that investigators were required to conduct an extensive review of events dating back to the firm’s establishment in 2006, including a detailed examination of investor activity and the movement of funds over an extended period.
Williams said the complexity of the investigation could not be overstated and that work of this nature demands patience and precision. He acknowledged that delays may be viewed negatively by the public, but stressed that the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Financial Investigations Division and partner agencies, including the Major Organised Crime and Anti Corruption Agency, possess the expertise and capacity to carry out the investigation in accordance with the rule of law.
The Constabulary Financial Unit operates under the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Following a coordinated pre dawn operation on Saturday, former Stocks and Securities Limited directors Hugh Croskery and his daughter Sarah Meany, along with former chief executive officer Zachary Harding, were taken into custody. All three have since been charged with multiple offences.
Investigators also laid charges against the corporate entities Stocks and Securities Limited, Delta Capital Partners Limited and SSL Growth Equity Limited for alleged breaches of the Bank of Jamaica Act, Securities Act, Banking Services Act, Larceny Act and Companies Act.
Electronic devices and documents seized during the operation are currently undergoing forensic examination. The three accused individuals were granted bail and are scheduled to appear before the court in January.
The charges represent a significant development in the investigation, which had previously resulted in only one arrest. Former client relationship manager Jean Ann Panton was charged in February 2023 but later recanted an initial confession, claiming it was made under duress following an alleged offer from Croskery. That allegation has been denied.
The Financial Investigations Division has stated that the alleged fraud impacted more than two hundred client accounts and involved losses exceeding thirty million United States dollars. Among the affected clients is a company owned by Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, who publicly criticized the pace of the investigation earlier this year.
Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson confirmed that her office recommended charges against the three former executives.
STATEMENT FROM THE FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
December 28, 2025
On December 27, 2025, the Financial Investigations Division (FID), the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU), and the Special Operations Unit of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), along with the St. James Police Division, executed a coordinated operation linked to the ongoing investigation into Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). The operation was supported by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).
The SSL investigation commenced in 2023 following the laying of fraud-related charges against former SSL employee Jean-Ann Panton. After an extensive two-year investigation, a file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). An initial ruling was recently received directing that former directors of SSL, Delta Capital Partners Ltd., and SSL Growth Equity Ltd. be charged for breaches under several key pieces of legislation, including the Bank of Jamaica Act, the Securities Act, the Larceny Act, the Banking Services Act, and the Companies Act.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., a joint law enforcement team executed four search warrants—one at an address in the Kempshot District, St. James, and three at locations in St. Andrew. The operation targeted former directors of SSL. As a result, three individuals were taken into police custody and questioned in the presence of their attorneys. Two of those individuals—Mr. Hugh Croskery and Mrs. Sarah Meany—are directly connected to SSL.
Mr. Croskery, the founder of SSL, was located at a Wickham Avenue address, where investigators seized electronic devices and several documents. Searches conducted at the Kempshot premises, the residence of the Meanys, revealed additional SSL-related documents and multiple electronic devices of investigative interest. These items were seized and entered into evidence. Mrs. Meany was taken into custody due to her direct involvement in activities at SSL. All seized items are currently undergoing forensic and analytical examination.
The third individual taken into custody, Mr. Dermot Meany, was arrested in relation to a breach of the Firearms Act discovered during the operation. Mr. Meany is a licensed firearm holder; however, he was found to be in possession of ammunition exceeding the legally permitted quantity.
Later that afternoon, Mr. Zachary Harding, former Chief Executive Officer of SSL and Delta Capital Partners Ltd., reported to the FID and C-TOC for questioning in the presence of his attorney.
Following the questioning sessions, charges were laid against the following individuals and entities:
Hugh Croskery
- Securities Act, section 7
- Securities Act, section 26(1)(a)
- Bank of Jamaica Act, section 22A
- Banking Services Act, section 10(1)(c)
- Larceny Act, section 28(1)(a)(ii)
Sarah Meany
- Securities Act, section 7
- Securities Act, section 26(1)(a)
- Bank of Jamaica Act, section 22A
- Banking Services Act, section 10(1)(c)
- Larceny Act, section 28(1)(a)(ii)
Zachary Harding
- Securities Act, section 7
- Securities Act, section 26(1)(a)
- Bank of Jamaica Act, section 22A
- Banking Services Act, section 10(1)(c)
- Companies Act, section 363
Stocks and Securities Limited
- Securities Act, section 26(1)(a)
- Securities Act, section 36(2)
- Securities (Conduct of Business) Regulations, section 8
- Bank of Jamaica Act, section 22A
Delta Capital Partners Limited
- Securities Act, section 7
- Securities Act, section 26(1)(a)
- Securities Act, section 36
- Bank of Jamaica Act, section 22A
- Banking Services Act, section 10(1)(c)
SSL Growth Equity Limited
- Securities Act, section 7
- Securities Act, section 26(1)(a)
- Companies Act, section 363
- Bank of Jamaica Act, section 22A
- Banking Services Act, section 10(1)(c)
Those charged were offered bail and are scheduled to appear before the courts in January 2026.
Meanwhile, matters relating to charges against Mr. Dermot Meany will be addressed through separate communications by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Commenting on the operation, Mr. Keith Darien, Principal Director of Investigations at the FID, stated:
“This operation reflects our commitment to conducting thorough, evidence-led investigations that protect the integrity of Jamaica’s financial system. By working together and securing key evidence, we strengthen the casework needed to advance accountability and safeguard the public interest.
We will continue to work strategically with our partners to follow the facts, pursue the proceeds of crime, and prosecute financial crime in the courts in keeping with the rule of law.”
Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett, Deputy Director of C-TOC, noted:
“Complex financial investigations demand disciplined teamwork, operational precision, and careful coordination across multiple units. Today’s outcome highlights what is possible when law enforcement agencies work in step—sharing intelligence, executing safely, and securing evidence in accordance with high global standards.
We remain committed to disrupting all forms of criminal activity and supporting processes that strengthen the delivery of justice and protect Jamaica and Jamaicans.”
Inspector Brenton Williams, Head of the CFU, added:
“The complexity of this investigation cannot be overstated. The alleged fraud was longstanding and sophisticated. Probing it required a comprehensive review of events dating back to SSL’s inception in 2006, including careful analysis of investor activity and the movement of funds across that entire period. Work of this nature takes time and must be done diligently.
We understand the public’s expectation for swift results, and that delays may be viewed negatively. However, the JCF, the FID, and our law enforcement partners, including MOCA, possess the capacity and expertise to conduct these investigations thoroughly and to advance matters in keeping with the rule of law.”
