A criminal gang known as "Money Boys" (MB), is actively operating on Tortola stated a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) late this afternoon, Tuesday November 12th.
The gang consists of approximately 25 young men, aged 17 to 25, from various communities across the Territory. The members of Money Boys are reportedly in possession of unlicensed firearms and have been linked to multiple violent incidents, including a shooting on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Long Bush, which resulted in life-threatening injuries to a male victim.
In addition to gun violence, Money Boys, also known as MB, is believed to be involved in a range of criminal activities, including robberies, thefts, burglaries, and other offenses. Over recent months, the RVIPF has intensified efforts to curb the gang’s activities. This has led to multiple arrests, firearm and ammunition seizures, and the recovery of stolen goods found within vehicles and addresses associated with gang members.
The Money Boys gang members frequent several areas across Tortola, including Purcell Estate, Free Bottom, Baughers Bay, Road Town, Huntum’s Ghut, Greenland, and Long Look.
Lack of Anti-Gang Legislation
Despite their geographic spread, the lack of anti-gang legislation in the British Virgin Islands, limits police capacity to prosecute them solely on gang affiliation, making it essential to connect individual members to specific criminal acts before preferring charges.
Portions Of Community Complicit
While the RVIPF has achieved progress in reducing the gang’s influence, certain members of MB have evaded detection, partly due to community members who may be complicit or passive in response to gang activity in their neighbourhoods. The RVIPF is concerned about the rising gun violence associated with the MB criminal gang and remains dedicated to combating this and other criminal activities.
Detective Chief Inspector Davis of the RVIPF urges the community to step forward in support, stating, “It is vital that we work together to remove this threat to peace and safety in our neighbourhoods. The safety of our young people and our community as a whole depends on everyone’s commitment to saying NO to violence and criminal behaviour.”
The RVIPF notes that youth often turn to gangs for several reasons, including:
• Seeking identity and protection from rival gangs
• Social support or fellowship absent in their lives
• Peer pressure, intimidation, or threats
• Economic hardship or lack of legitimate opportunities
• The thrill of risk-taking and gang activity
• Low self-esteem or a desire for a sense of self-worth
• Exposure to negative influences from family or friends
Families and communities are encouraged to stay vigilant, particularly with young males, and to seek assistance at early signs of delinquent or troubling behaviour.
Detective Chief Inspector Davis emphasizes the RVIPF's commitment to supporting families, communities, social services, government agencies, and volunteer organizations in directing at-risk youth toward constructive alternatives.
Some programs and resources available within the Territory include:
1. Job training and apprenticeship opportunities
2. Anger management programs
3. School dropout prevention initiatives
4. Conflict resolution and mediation services
5. Drug and alcohol abuse prevention
6. Domestic violence intervention programs
Anyone who wishes to provide information about this matter can confidentially call the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas call 1-284-800-8477.