Even though investigations so far have revealed that Cash Plus boss Carlos Hill may have billions of United States dollars in offshore accounts (see graphic on page 4), police are warning investors not to interpret this to mean that their money would be returned soon.

Police say they will first have to determine if the money and accounts actually exist.

"... I add a very strong word of caution and do not want to raise the expectations of investors and urge the media to do the same.

This (the accounts and money) will take time to confirm and to secure any funds, if indeed they exist at all," Assistant Commissioner of Police, Les Green said at a press conference yesterday.

He said the investigations would require overseas assistance. "As a majority of businesses, accounts and funds are offshore, we are not readily able to obtain access or obtain details of such, in a short period of time. We will be required to submit requests for mutual assistance under reciprocal agreements or other well-established protocols, and this itself will be lengthy process," he said.