Former BVI Premier Appeals US Cocaine Trafficking and Money Laundering Conviction

Former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie has filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn his conviction on cocaine trafficking and money laundering charges.

Court records indicate that Fahie is challenging both the verdict and aspects of the trial process that led to his conviction in a U.S. federal court. His legal team argues that key evidentiary and procedural issues affected the outcome of the case and should be reviewed on appeal.

Fahie was found guilty in February 2024 on multiple counts, including conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States, conspiracy to commit money laundering, attempted money laundering, and foreign travel in aid of racketeering. The charges stemmed from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover operation targeting alleged drug trafficking and corruption links.

He was later sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.

Prosecutors said the former premier agreed to facilitate drug shipments through the British Virgin Islands in exchange for payment, following meetings with undercover agents and a confidential informant. The case drew regional and international attention due to Fahie’s senior political position at the time of his arrest.

The appeal now places the matter before a higher court, which will review the legal arguments raised by the defence before deciding whether the conviction or sentence should be upheld or reconsidered.