It has come to the attention of the Department of Immigration that the ownership of real property in The Bahamas, referred to in the Immigration file of one Vicky Lynn Hogan Marshall; also known as Anna Nicole Smith, has been called into question by one G. Ben Thompson.

As a result of the allegations made by Mr. Thompson, the Director of Immigration has been directed to institute an enquiry and again review the truthfulness of all information contained in the file.

Thus far, the investigation has revealed that the file in question contains a letter from attorneys Callenders & Co., acting for Anna Nicole Smith.  The letter represents that Ms. Smith had unconditionally purchased a $1 million home located in Nassau, Bahamas.

The file also contains a notarized copy of a conveyance prepared by Callenders & Co., executed by George Clifford Culmer, Liquidator; and Ronald H. Kelly, transferring ownership of the property in question to Vicky Lynn Marshall, also known as Anna Nicole Smith.

The file further reveals that the $10,000 Permanent Residence fee was paid by a cheque drawn on the account of Callenders & Co.

Callenders & Co. has since advised that at the time of the application, the conveyance on file was executed in favour of Vicky Lynn Marshall also known as Anna Nicole Smith.

Callenders & Co. were the attorneys for the applicant Anna Nicole Smith at the time of the application.

At the time of the application, Callenders & Co. were also the attorneys for G. Ben Thompson.

Callenders & Co. at the time of the appliciation were also the attorneys for the Liquidator, George Clifford Culmer.

Callenders & Co. now purport to represent Thompson and Culmer against their former client, Anna Nicole Smith.

The investigation now underway by the Department of Immigration has yet to uncover any evidence that the Central Bank of The Bahamas or the National Economic Council granted any approval – or, if indeed there was any request as provided for under the law – for Mr. Ben Thompson, a foreigner, to hold a mortgage on property in The Bahamas as has been publicly alleged.

As in all matters of this nature – any finding that information or representation to the Department of Immigration by any party or agent has been inaccurate, untrue or misleading will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing; in addition to which the Department is seeking the advice of the Attorney General on referring the details of this matter to the Council of The Bahamas Bar Association for its consideration.