Two Trinidad and Tobago police officers have been charged with kidnapping and corruption following an investigation into an alleged extortion of a motorist.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said Police Constables Stefano Haban and Jalani Prima were charged on March 30 with misbehaviour in public office after a probe by the Professional Standards Bureau.

According to the TTPS, the charges stem from a report made on March 16 regarding an incident that allegedly occurred on March 14 along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near Mausica.

Police said a motorist was stopped by officers in a marked police vehicle and, after providing his documents, was told he was driving a stolen vehicle.

The man denied the claim but was arrested, handcuffed and placed in the police vehicle.

Investigators allege that instead of taking the man to the Maloney Police Station, the officers diverted onto Mausica Road, where he was unlawfully detained and allegedly asked to pay money in exchange for his release.

The officers are accused of demanding TT$20,000, with an initial payment of TT$10,000 required immediately. The motorist was reportedly taken to an ATM in Arima and instructed to withdraw cash, which he did under their direction.

He was also allegedly threatened over payment of the remaining balance.

Police further allege that cash was taken from the man’s wallet during the incident.

Following the report, the Professional Standards Bureau launched an investigation, which included a controlled operation that led to the arrest of one of the officers.

Both men have been jointly charged with misbehaviour in public office, namely kidnapping, and misbehaviour in public office for allegedly obtaining TT$10,000 dishonestly.

Haban faces additional charges, including attempting to obtain TT$20,000, larceny of TT$1,200, multiple counts of attempting to obtain further sums of money, and obtaining TT$500 dishonestly.

Both officers are currently being held under Preventive Detention Orders at the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre.

The matter was heard in the Arima Magistrates’ Court on March 31 and adjourned to April 14.

The TTPS said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and misconduct and remains committed to transparency and accountability. Investigations are ongoing.