The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has apprehended two additional suspects in connection with the $47.5 million phishing scam targeting National Commercial Bank (NCB) customers. This brings the total number of individuals detained in relation to the case to 14.
The latest arrests include a 25-year-old man from Cassava Piece, Kingston, and a 24-year-old woman from Gregory Park, Portmore, St. Catherine. Law enforcement officials detained the man early Thursday at his residence, while the woman was arrested on Wednesday at her home. The operations were conducted by MOCA agents in collaboration with officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Director of Communications at MOCA, Major Basil Jarrett, confirmed that search and arrest warrants were executed at both locations. “Both persons were detained during the operations, and several evidentiary items also seized,” he stated.
The suspects are expected to face formal charges in the coming days.
The phishing scam, which occurred between April and June 2022, involved an organised crime syndicate that unlawfully accessed 16 NCB accounts, transferring over $47 million to various beneficiary accounts.
“Today’s arrests demonstrate MOCA’s commitment to ensuring that everyone involved in this massive crime is brought before the courts,” said Major Jarrett. He highlighted that cybercrime and fraud remain high-priority issues given the increasing prevalence of criminal activities targeting financial institutions.
The latest Jamaica National Crime Victimisation Survey (JNCVS), published last week by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, reported 88,108 incidents of bank and consumer fraud in 2023. The data underscores the escalating threat of white-collar crimes, which are becoming as prevalent as traditional street crimes.
Major Jarrett also encouraged the public to remain vigilant when conducting online transactions and to promptly report any suspicious activities related to financial fraud. He acknowledged the critical support provided by JCF partners throughout the ongoing investigation.
MOCA continues to urge anyone with information about financial crimes to contact their tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.
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