INSPORTS Fraud Case: Andrew Wright and Oneil Hope to Appeal Supreme Court Conviction

Convictions Handed Down in Major Fraud Case

Kingston, Jamaica – Attorneys representing Andrew Wright, former financial controller at the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS), and Oneil Hope have confirmed their intention to appeal the Supreme Court's decision that found their clients guilty on multiple counts of fraud. The convictions, which also included Rudolph Barnes, stem from a JMD $222 million fraud racket uncovered at the government-run sports agency. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by the Supreme Court of Jamaica.

Andrew Wright, also known as 'Andrew French' and a promoter of popular parties, was found guilty on 13 counts. Oneil Hope was convicted on 8 counts, though he was acquitted on four other charges. Rudolph Barnes received a guilty verdict on 11 counts. The men have been remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 21, 2025.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

The extensive fraud and irregularities were first brought to light in 2017 following an internal review of INSPORTS' financial records. The matter was subsequently referred to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), initiating a lengthy investigation.

The accused were implicated in a network of former and current INSPORTS employees who allegedly wrote, signed, and cashed fraudulent cheques for individuals who were neither employed by nor contracted to the agency. The charges against them included:

• Conspiracy to defraud
• Acquisition, use, and possession of criminal property
• Engaging in transactions involving criminal property
• Larceny as a servant

The alleged fraudulent activities are reported to have occurred between 2010/2011 and 2017.

Defense Attorneys Announce Appeal

Following the Supreme Court's verdict, defense attorneys for Wright and Hope expressed disagreement with the outcome and stated their immediate plans to appeal. Alessandra LaBeach, representing Mr. Wright, and Seymour Stewart, representing Mr. Hope, both indicated that they have identified several grounds for appeal.

Ms. LaBeach was quoted saying, 'We have already identified several grounds and we are eager to have this portion of it completed so that we can get the matter before the Court of Appeal.' Mr. Stewart added, 'We do not agree with the verdicts. Everything that my client, Mr. Hope, did was duly and properly authorised from on high. We don't believe that he should've even been charged, and we have already started the process to file our appeal.'

About INSPORTS

The Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) is a government agency in Jamaica established in 1978. Its mandate is to promote the development of sports at the national level, identify talent, and facilitate sports programs in schools and communities across the country.