Foiled Quebec Threat Raises Concerns John S. Burnett, Associate Editor
Montreal police arrested Edwin Scarlotte Mata Lima before he was able to pull off his extortion and murder plot against a couple who won a C$27 million Loto-Quebec drawing in May. Lima's plans may give Quebec lottery officials reason to question their policy of publishing winners' names, addresses and photos. They should also give bankers reason to ponder some of their security measures.
Lima, an 18-year old Mexican citizen, was arraigned June 19 on charges of conspiracy to abduct, conspiracy to murder and other charges. Police allege that Lima planned to murder Zenovij Pacholuk and Dolores Coffey, winners of the second largest Loto-Quebec jackpot in history. Before eliminating the couple, said police, Lima planned to invade the lottery winners' home and force Pacholuk to go to the bank to withdraw up to C$10 million.
Some sources reported that Lima bragged about his plan to friends and acquaintances in early June, shortly after the lottery winners' names were announced. Police have not confirmed, but there were reports, that one of Lima's friends revealed the plot to authorities when he became frightened that Lima was not joking. Lima was arrested before he could obtain a gun to further his plan.
It seems reasonable to assume that a bank would question a customer's request to withdraw any sum approaching the $10 million that Lima had apparently set his sights on. Cash withdrawals of that magnitude are certainly extraordinary if they ever occur, and very few institutions would ever have cash available remotely approaching that magnitude.
But what would be your institution's reaction if confronted by a customer attempting to withdraw such a huge sum (or even a more modest $1 million) in cash? When you come to realize that such a customer is acting under duress or coercion, what steps would your employees take, keeping the safety of your customer and his or her family and the bank's security in mind?
Lima's plot was bizarre, and stood very little chance of success. But natural disasters pose bizarre threats of a different kind, and banks make plans for them. Perhaps it's time to contact local police for guidance in crafting a response plan for large withdrawals by customers under duress or coercion.
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