Seven Arrested in $10M Banking Fraud Scheme

Seven individuals have been arrested following a scam that resulted in the theft of over $10 million from a single bank customer, the Fraud Division of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC) reported on Tuesday.

The perpetrators reportedly posed as bank representatives both electronically and in person to gain access to the victim’s account. Authorities revealed that the scammers stole a total of USD$63,871 and JMD$10,162,468, which was later distributed to various bank accounts, including those belonging to the accused.

Those charged with receiving stolen property are:

• Natanya Murray, 21, security officer, Portsmouth, St Catherine

• Jamiela O’Connor, 19, Hamstead Avenue, Kingston

• Rojourn Bowler, 21, Tarrant Drive, Kingston 10

• Rojhe Marthluck, 21, janitor, Cadot Close, Kingston 5

• Christopher Fellows, 42, security officer, Wild Street, Kingston 6

• Brithany Smith, 23, trainer, Braeton Meadows, St Catherine

• Michael Williams, 28, carpenter, Old Braeton, St Catherine

The accused are scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on January 31, 2025.

The CTOC Fraud Division is urging residents to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent banks and to avoid sharing personal banking information. Additionally, customers are warned against granting access to their accounts to receive fraudulently obtained funds.

The police continue to investigate the matter and are working to dismantle larger criminal networks involved in similar scams. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward to assist law enforcement in the case.