MARIGOT--Following a preliminary inquiry into a non-contracted private school (primary and secondary level) named “Ecole Frenet,” not registered with the Rectorat (schools administration board) of Guadeloupe, a Gendarmerie investigation has concluded money estimated at 370, 000 euros was diverted for the personal benefit of its owners/directors, from one family, within an association set up called Ecole Frenet.
The Prosecutor’s release indicated there was no intention to re-open the school at the beginning of September 2017, before Hurricane Irma. The investigation also uncovered the existence of undeclared teachers.
Furthermore, the employment office Pôle Emploi was swindled out of 90,000 euros on single insertion contracts (Contrats Uniques d’Insertion) obtained with false declarations.
Correctional proceedings have been brought against four family members and two legal representatives of the association. They are to be charged with breach of trust, swindling, unauthorised opening of a school, money laundering, counterfeiting and illegal employment.
They have been summoned to court in St. Martin on June 21. The couple’s villa in Orient Bay was also seized pending the trial.
The Rectorat, Pôle Emploi, URSSAF, and duped employees are invited to initiate a civil suit against the suspects.
