AND RYAN HAMILTON-DAVIS

CANADIAN YouTuber, Christopher, "Chris Must List" Hughes said he believes his arrest was politically motivated.

He made the speculations while speaking to attorney, Criston J Williams after he was arrested on Tuesday. Williams later released the audio to traditional media sources.

"I am loved in this country. I want to keep it that way. I have done nothing wrong. It seems like a political ploy for some reason. Someone in the government is upset."

Hughes was arrested by the Special Investigation Unit on Tuesday under the Anti-Gang Act, as well as breaching the Immigration Act of TT at Flagstaff, Long Circular Road, St James. Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin confirmed this to Newsday.

The Canadian High Commission says it is aware of the situation and is liaising with local authorities.

In the audio shared with media, Williams asked Hughes if he was told that the Minister of National security had declared him as someone who contravened the Immigration Act, to which he answered no. However, he did say that part of his charges were under the act.

"Did they (investigating officers) tell you they were acting under the auspices of the Minister of National Security?" Williams asked.

They told me nothing," Hughes responded. "I was given the document that you were provided. No one explained what it is. I don't even know what promoting a gang means at all."

He also denied claims made in media report that he had been associating and promoting gangs.

"No, I did not promote any gangs, nor did I give advice to any gangs. I did not profit or exchange any money with any gangs. I asked questions to strangers on the street. Never was there a confirmation of gangs."

The 45-year-old travel vlogger and self-proclaimed journalist has been in TT for several weeks.

In some of his videos, civilians can be seen with guns and discussing ongoing gang wars. These videos have since gone viral.

Speaking to Newsday on Wednesday morning, Hughes' attorney Criston Williams said he was unsure whether police took the report about threats to Hughes' life, as they were "giving him a hard time."

But he confirmed Hughes was still being detained.

Hughes' legal representatives said he was arrested after trying to report that threats were made against his life by two "political figures" and two officers.

On Tuesday night, there was talk on social media that the YouTuber's life had been threatened.

Asked about this, Williams said, "Yes. He told me the threats came from two political figures and two police officers.

"And then they arrested him."

Williams said the nature of the threats was "too sensitive" to reveal.

Police are also concerned Hughes breached immigration laws by saying he was visiting as a tourist. Police claim his videos was "work," since they are monetised.

Hughes in the recording he simply posts his videos for the world to see.

"My daughter is nine. She uploads videos to YouTube. That doesn't mean s