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An Arima man, 59, was swindled out of $26,400 after being promised discounted alcoholic beverages by a man known only as “Animal.”

Police reported that around 12:39 p.m. on Thursday, the victim, from Christina Gardens off O’Meara Road, met the suspect near the Arima Westside Supermarket. The man claimed to work at the grocery and said he could secure alcohol at a “specially discounted rate” if the money was handed over discreetly.

The victim, believing the offer, parted with $26,400. The suspect gave him an invoice that appeared legitimate. However, when the man went to collect the alcohol, supermarket staff said they had no knowledge of “Animal” and that he had never been employed there.