TTPS says bomb threat wave remains hoax; threat level low

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service says the recent wave of bomb threats targeting courts, government offices, businesses, hotels and diplomatic missions has been assessed as a series of hoaxes.

In a message to the public on the eve of Independence Day, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro said investigations by the TTPS Explosive Detection and Disposal Unit, supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, found no explosives or suspicious devices.

The Commissioner said 11 threats were received within 40 minutes on August 19, targeting eight magistrates’ courts, Kent House, Valpark Shopping Plaza and the Judicial Building in Tobago.

Further threats were reported on August 20 and August 22, with subsequent reports extending to government offices, hotels and diplomatic missions.

He said the investigations have found that the threats were intended to disrupt the operations of the targeted institutions and create fear among the public.

“Despite the volume of the threats, no intelligence has come to hand indicating that there was anything else but a hoax,” the Commissioner said.

He said there was also no indication that anyone was planning an attack on the State, diplomatic missions or Independence Day celebrations.

“The threat level remains low. The primary risk is public panic and disruption, and not any single credible threat was found,” he said.

The TTPS has increased its level of alert and implemented additional security measures to ensure Independence Day activities proceed without disruption.

The Commissioner said investigations are continuing, noting that cybercrime investigations can take longer because of the time needed to obtain digital evidence.

He also warned those behind the threats that they should not assume they are anonymous online.

Referring to a similar cybercrime case involving threats against a secondary school in Rio Claro last year, he said the person responsible was eventually arrested.

“To the unpatriotic, cowardly keyboard warrior who is perpetrating this current set of hoaxes, all I will say to you is that time is longer than twine, and be mindful of the vengeance of Moko,” the Commissioner said.

He assured citizens that Independence Day celebrations will proceed safely and securely.

“These hoax threats are not a joke. They are an attack on our courts, our institutions, and our people,” he said.

The Commissioner said the TTPS will continue to pursue all leads and asserted that “those responsible will face justice.”

He urged citizens not to allow the threats to overshadow the country’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.