The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a social media message circulating that incorrectly links a specific Customs officer to the recent arrest of a 41 year old man in relation to an ongoing investigation by law enforcement authorities in Canada.

For the record, the ongoing investigation does not involve the individual whose profile photo is being circulated.

Members of the public are strongly advised not to continue to circulate the unfounded social media message.

As a reminder, sending defamatory messages is an offence under the Electronic Communications Act 2011, Section 68 (Improper use of public electronic communications service) which states:

68 (1) Any person commits an offence triable either way if he -

(b.) Sends   by   those   means,   for   the   purpose   of   causing   annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another, a message that he knows to be false or persistently makes use for that purpose of a public electronic communications service;

And the punishment on conviction is outlined in section 68 (1) (d) which states:

68 (1) (d.) knowingly permits any electronic communications apparatus under his control to be used for any purpose prohibited by this subsection, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for one year or a fine of $25,000, or both.