'Focus MOCA' - Knight

Opposition Senator K.D. Knight believes that the proposed bill to establish the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) as an independent body has a good objective, but includes clauses that, he believes, dilute the agency's role.

Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, who piloted the bill, disclosed that in its three and a half years of operations, MOCA has charged 691 persons, secured 151 convictions, and seized close to $2 billion in assets.

However, Knight does not believe that MOCA should deal with minor offences, as listed in the bill: "Focus the agency!" he declared.

Clause 10 makes provision for an oversight committee to monitor MOCA, but Knight contends that the agency should not be asked to seek assistance from other government entities on cases under investigation or intelligence-related matters.

"They're not supposed to be involved at all in the investigation. It's an oversight body. They're not supposed to know what is being investigated and who is being investigated," noted Knight.

Charles, who is state minister in the Ministry of National Security, told the Upper House that his technical team would review the suggestions made throughout the debate and he would return next week with fulsome responses.

The MOCA Act was passed in the House of Representatives on January 31. During that sitting, the National Security Ministry explained that "MOCA's establishment will complement existing law-enforcement agencies and will in no way diminish their powers or authority".