NHDT director guilty of fraud

| 19/06/2014

(CNS): The former deputy chairman and director of the National Housing and Development Trust board has been convicted on seven deception offences. Edlin Myles (62), who also works at a local insurance firm and was once a prominent member of the United Democratic Party, was found guilty by a jury of six women and one man Thursday, having begun their deliberations Wednesday. Myles was accused of conning applicants of the government's housing scheme into buying insurance they didn’t need. Following the verdict, the judge bailed the convicted man until his sentencing hearing, which is set for 26 June, when his defence attorney will be arguing for a community-based punishment. 

Myles was originally charged with nine counts of gaining property or a pecuniary advantage by deception in connection with life insurance policies he sold to potential clients of the NHDT who had applied for affordable homes in East End but the judge directed the jury to find him not guilty on two counts owing to a lack of evidence on those particular allegations relating to one of the applicants.

The jury was asked to consider the remaining seven charges and found that he had conned the home applicants as the crown claimed.

In its case against Myles the crown claimed he had made applicants who were waiting to hear if they had been approved for a home believe that the success was dependent on buying policies from him. Trevor Ward, QC, the deputy director of public prosecutions who prosecuted the case, said that Myles had told the hopeful applicants that they had been approved for homes, when they had not, and in at least one case that the government would be paying for the policy for the first year before later telling them that plan had changed.

The victims all claimed he had told them they needed to take out the policies to secure their homes and the crown said Myles had done so knowing that the clients would not need any insurance until they had been approved for a house by the Trust and only after a bank had also approved their mortgage loan applications.

In four out of the five cases the applicants were never approved, regardless of Myles' claims and after they had paid some four months of premiums on the unnecessary policies. The prosecution said that these were people who could ill afford such an outlay and in one case an applicant so convinced that his housing application approval was dependent on the insurance cover sold by Myles he borrowed money to pay it.

Myles had denied the allegations, and although he admitted he had sold the policies to the applicants, he had done so honestly. He said he had not tried to trick the clients but had merely offered them policies and never said their application was dependent on the policies or that they were under any obligation to buy the policies at that time or even from him. However, the jury was not convinced and found him guilty as charged on seven of the nine counts.

Although Myles was originally arrested on anti-corruption law offences as well as four counts of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception and three counts of gaining property by deception, the corruption charges were later dropped.

During his directions the judge made a point to the jury that although they may believe that Myles’ position on the Housing Trust board and his job as an insurance sales person would bring him into a conflict of interest when he called the clients of the trust to offer them insurance, he was not on trial over a possible conflict or misusing his position.

The judge made it clear that any abuse of that role they believed existed should not influence their decision on the actual charges before them, as he as he directed them in the law regarding the ingredients of the offences.

CNS understands that the corruption charges were dropped as a result of the anti-corruption law which appears not to apply to anyone sitting on government company boards. Questions have been submitted to Cabinet by CNS about the legislation and concerns that it may not be fit for purpose as not only does it not cover board members, the definition of a public officer regarding employees in government companies and statutory authorities is also in doubt.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Jail is a must otherwise all the inmates at Northward shoul be set free. What's good for the goose should be good for the gander. The law should apply to all and sundry.

  2. Anonymous says:

    We all make mistakes in life, I think once he made peace with God, NO man should judge him. I see men that sexually abuse their daughters and stepdaughters, and get out of prison in NO time. So I don't think that mr. Myles should go to prison for this. I pray and ask God that his lawyer can work something out for him.

    • Anonymous says:

      Is he playing the god joker card?  Well regardless, the people who are not dishonest criminals are perfectly entitled to judge him.  As an honest law abided citizen I think he is a dishonest, greedy, scumbag who took advantage of the vulnerable for financial gain.  He can spend some time praying in the Northward chapel.

    • Anonymous says:

      Let me know what God says, hope he responds to you soon.

    • Anonymous says:

      I guess since it doesn't affect you, he should go free right? He's a criminal and should pay the cost for his crimes. Doesn't the Bible say an eye for an eye or are we reading 2 different bibles? He knew exactly what he was doing and should be ashamed. These people always use "finding God" as an outlet and expect sympathy from the public.

      I pray the Judge gives him the maximum for his crime. Maybe, just maybe this might finally be an example to others that think they can prey on the poorer people, rip them off and get away with a slap on the wrist. 

  3. Anonymous says:

    There is another big company here wjhere the Manager force himself upon the clients, lies and tell you more lies to drop all your old policies and buy new ones from him.  His day is coming as he continues to compete with his agents and lies to the public to change out their old policies.  Word of advise.  You only need a Term Life policy which is very affordable to secure your mortgage or your income for your family.  This policy will only pays when you are dead.  If you are not in any position with adequate disposal income, then the way to go is to purchase Term Life.  A Term Life policy will gve you and your family the same protection in the event of premature death.  Do not buy these other nonsense policies about savings for your old age.  While you are young you can do that investment on your own by way of so many other vehicles to invest and see returns.  While you are doing this, your Term Life is giving you the adequate coverage for your family.  When this manager bullshit you from the waterfront with his loud mouth is only to get LARGE commissions for hmself.   And to add insult to injury, he does not have a clue of what is called 'servicing policies and existing business'.  But his jail TIME is coming. 

  4. Anonymous says:

    I personally believe that the majority of insurance sales people are slick by nature. Most of them walk that thin line between immoral and illegal. They sweet talk you and try to sell you things you don't need. You walk into their office to purchase a simple life insurance policy and by the time you walk out they have you signed up for life with extras and one for the house, car and dog. They give you scenarios that have a 1 in 20 billion chance of happening but because we are humans, we actually consider it and think well just in case. They would sell you the moon if they could, some of them are that good but despite all of that I know Mr. Myles and I have to honestly say that I have always known him to be an upstanding guy, he even told me how to save money when purchasing my policies, something that would not have benefited him in terms of commission so I don't know what to say about this situation except that the jurors heard the evidence and they determined that he was guilty so I have to accept their verdict.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Why you all so Ra$$ wicked?  This man was found guilty by his own Caymanians and the rest of you are rejoycing.  If it is factual, it was WRONG, but please do not add anymore fuel to the fire.  Pray for him and the nationincluding yourself, as you might just be charged and found guilty by next month.

     

     

  6. Anonymous says:

    Send him home.  These criminals are a bad influence for the Islands.

  7. Anonymous says:

    I feel sorry for this man's wife and children. I hope she will accept that he is guilty.

    • Anonymous says:

      But he is guilty.

      • Anonymous says:

        Yes he was pronounced guilty by a jury. However, that does not mean tht the wife would also have convicted him, hence my reason for saying i hope she can accept it.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Prosecuted for deceiving and earning minimum commission on the insurance policies. However earned a couple of thousands for directors fees that were raised 100-200% and got away with it, him and the other directors. 

    An FOI should be made on how much was earned by each director and an explanation be given for this clear abuse, that has never been justified.  This would paint a true picture of this and other directors.

     

  9. Anonymous says:

    An anti corruption law that doesn't apply to boards is not fit for purpose but then again if someone actually went to Northward for corruption and started talking it could be embarrasing to who knows whom.

  10. Anonymous says:

    LET US NOT REJOICE IN THE DOWN FALL OF OUR NEIGHBOR.

    He never knew this wuld happen to him.  Neiter do you  know what wull happen  to you or your cildren or family next year..

    • Anonymous says:

      I don't think people are rejoicing. But there is a certain amount of relief that such a person is finally dealing with by the law. 

  11. Anonymous says:

    The irony in all of this is that he has been charged for the so called minor commission for thsale of the insurance policies, however there is no charge or report made on the significant fees he was paid just for reviewing a listing of these and other applicans.  Go figure get prosecuted for the lesser and get away for the major abuse.

    If there is a flaw in the anti corruption law surely it should be brought to light on how much directors fee he and all his other colleagus receceived durng their directorship. A few FOI questions should bring this to light. I'm quite sure the housing trust or the current directors would not want to be known for covering or witholding this information.  Or perhaps maybe they are doing same thing?

  12. Anonymous says:

    A fine example of a man who lets any amount of power get to his head. 

  13. Anonymous says:

    Community-based sentence?? What is the difference between him and the other con-men that are in Northward Prison?

    • Anonymous says:

      I guess his "previous unblemished character" which I am sure all criminals had before they were caught and prosecuted.

  14. Knot S Smart says:

    I am sure that this does not reflect the pure hearted, impeccabily and  forever clean hands, and uncorruptible reputation of others in the former UDP administration…

  15. Anonymous says:

    What about the politicians spending $10 Million on travel. Where is the accountability there? 

  16. Anonymous says:

    How can the anti corruption law not apply to anyone sitting on boards??? That is exactly the people it should apply too, as well as politicians and civil servants. Something seriously wrong here bobo. The public of Cayman may well have a case of unfair discrimation agfainst law makers!!!

  17. Anonymous says:

    Honest to God that's just awful,I am not from Cayman,but one does not have to be to understand a con. Those people were expectant of having a chance to own a home and must have been pretty excited at the prospect,and he blatantly took advantage of there vulnerabilities,they obviously  did not know that you don't buy life insurance before you have been granted a mortgage .  Shame on him. I hope they got there money back.

    • Archie Buck Dem Up says:

      Hey I another from Cayman, I'm sure wherever you are from there is much more than this type of con, so stop the drivel ey.

      • Anonymous says:

        Sweetie I from ya too. Was just makin sure if you meant their instead of there so I could agree with you. Dats all so stop bein vex now. Seen? Good!

    • Anonymous says:

      Surely you mean 'their'? If so I agree with you.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Hope he purchased a 'get out of jail free' insurance policy?

  19. McCarron McLaughlin says:

    I hope any redeuction in sentencing be given with the condition this guy pays back with interest everything he swindle from these folks…

  20. Anonymous says:

    There are few things worse than someone in a position of power exploiting those that can ill afford it for their greed driven personal gain. It doesn't matter what the amount is. Absolutely dispicable behaviour. This greedy man deserves a custodial sentance.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Jail is a must.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Did this salesman have the authority to issue these policies in a vacuum?  Surely there would have been compliance checks and approvals at management level if policies were actually issued?

    • Anonymous says:

      He was a trusted insurance salesman for years. You know after awhile people tend to take your word on things or believe that you know what you are doing. i doubt the insurance company would have questioned someone taking out an insurance policy for their home. It is rare by not every who has an insurance policy has a mortgage so maybe the insurance company thought it was one of those.

  23. Anonymous says:

    His lawyer said he had "no motive", except greed that is.  Nasty, selfish, arrogant, dishonest man.

  24. Anonymous says:

    The Anti Corruption Law does not apply to those on public boards and authorities? Where is our Attorney General? Who vetted this Law before it was adopted? Just what does our AG do all day?

  25. SKEPTICAL says:

    Good.. However small this particular victory may be, it is important. Globally,  the Life Insurance industry has repeatedly been exposed as unethical in the marketing and sales methods used to sell products which policyholders did not need, and which ultimately failed to produce the benefits promised – even in relatively sophisticated jurisdictions.  In Cayman, the market has seriously vulnerable " prospects " for slick insurance salesmen who ironically, are locals, and therefore accepted  as reliable advisers because they are at the least afriend, and quite likely a relative, however distant. Life Insurance is a valuable resource as part of anybody's lifetime financial planning. The important issue is that the average Caymanian only needs to buy the "bare bones " minimum effective cover you need for your particular needs – not the " all the bells and whistles, with profits endowment, investment account " high premium policies which only benefit the sales agent with higher commissions. 

     

  26. Anonymous says:

    Finally accountability.  There should be more prosecutions. What about the increase in Directors Fees?  Surely there is more dirt there. I hope this sends a strong message to all who abuse their position. My respect to all testified, this has been a milestone.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      $600 a meeting, and several meetings a week with no benefit shown…that's a smell that should DEFINITELY be investigated as well…XXXXX

    • Blue Moon says:

      But what about the cigars? And what about those flashy clothes? Thud! (the sound of a fall)

      • Anonymous says:



        Blue Moon let us not be harsh, because we all have families and do not know what the future bring.   He was  wrong yes, and he will pay for it, but please remember do not rejoice at any one down fall.  Justa a warning.

        • Anonymous says:

          It is understood no one should laugh at someone's down fall, but when there is injustice from individuals who gain from abuse  of their position and get away with it beit by warning society encourages this and pays. Unfortunately their is no thought of families or reprocautions when the injustice is being made.

        • Michel says:

          08:05 I agree with your post and if I may add ” We are to Never rejoice in another’s downfall. Let justice follow it’s couse withtout the hate. We are to Love one another. And many lessons learned here and I am curious about this Directors gaining from. Compassate the new home owners that were iil advised. I pray someone in our Gvt. In Authority reads this and serously look into it. God Bless, Michel Lemay

  27. Anonymous says:

    So sad that he should end up like this for the gain of a few dollars. However, we all know the saying, "As you make your bed, so you must lie in it."

  28. Anonymous says:

    All I can say is that "GREED" is a terrible thing to possess.  

    • The Thinker says:

      Everybody has some amount of greed, but you don't have to take from the needy.  The NHDT director is a pig.

  29. Anonymous says:

    he should get what everyone gets=jail, joey is an example! gt

  30. Anonymous says:

     

     

     I DOnt care how much you dress up and look good and dt smell good

     

     If you dont have  honest CHARACTER and INTEGITY YOU will self destructive one day

     while still blaming it on someone else

     

     Pray to God for help when you see you are not incontrol

     of our actions

     

     

    we need  a good character

  31. Anonymous says:

    A shady insurance salesman? Say it ain't so!

    • Anonymous says:

      Yeh, so shady insurers paid $2,500,000,000 to home and business owners after Ivan. What did you do? Everyone loves to run down insurance until they need it and then they only remember that they were advised to buy a better policy, but decided to buy the cheapest! And then want to complain when they do they do not get properly paid out, conveniently forgetting their own choice! My advice, choose a reputable broker and listen carefully to the advice they give. If they screw up, then you can sue them. They have their insurance cover for mistakes.

  32. Anonymous says:

    Nothing but a parasite picking on those than can ill afford.

    12 months in real low income housing at a minimum.

  33. Anonymous says:

    So he sold them policies on houses they hadn't got yet? What a fine upstanding gentleman. He must have concealed this from the insurance company as well because they would not want to issue policies like that.

    • Anonymous says:

      I dont think you are correct. Sales agents are pushed to sell as much as you can. Also the commission is what you take home. If you dont sell you dont make any money. Then the managers make you look like sh.t in their weekly meetings when you are not producing. There are few honest ones out there, its all about what I am going to make.

    • Anonymous says:

      He sold them LIFE insurance policies, which would be required by the  mortgagor, if and when the mortgage was approved.  This seems to be a case of putting the horse before the cart, however.