Six Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Smishing Scam Targeting Elderly NCB Customer

Kingston, Jamaica – Six individuals, including a police constable, a security guard, and a telecommunications sales representative, have been charged by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) in connection with a major smishing scam that defrauded an elderly customer of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) out of millions of dollars.

The accused, who were arrested between Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, face multiple charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Larceny Act, with one of the suspects also charged for facilitating the use of criminal property. Among those charged are:

• Police Constable Marlando Rowe, 35, of Sunrise Crescent, Four Paths, Clarendon
• Security Guard Shamar Cammock, 27, of Manor View Drive, Kingston 8
• Telecommunications Sales Representative Kimmor Peters, 26, of Bucks Common, Clarendon
• Electrician Nemoy Rodney, 31, of Miller Lane, Old Harbour Road, St. Catherine
• Customer Service Representative Glenecia Smith, 34, of Old Hope Road, St. Andrew
• Cashier Zowan Foster, 27, of Top Hill District, Junction, St. Elizabeth (charged with additional offenses related to facilitating criminal property)

The accused individuals are believed to have been involved in a complex cybercrime operation targeting an elderly National Commercial Bank (NCB) customer in March 2023. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was tricked by a “smishing” scam—an advanced form of phishing that uses fraudulent mobile text messages to lure victims into revealing personal information or transferring funds to cybercriminals.

MOCA reports that the suspects, part of a larger cyber-enabled crime syndicate, used the scam to steal approximately US$45,000 (equivalent to J$7.4 million) from the elderly victim. The stolen funds were then distributed to various beneficiaries, allegedly facilitated by the suspects through multiple financial channels.

“This is an example of how sophisticated criminal enterprises are increasingly exploiting technology to target vulnerable individuals. MOCA is committed to dismantling these networks and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA.

The arrests of Rowe, Cammock, Peters, and the others represent a significant breakthrough in MOCA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt organized cybercrime in Jamaica. The agency has emphasized that the individuals charged are part of a broader crime ring believed to be involved in various illegal financial activities, including fraud and money laundering.

Smishing scams, like the one carried out in this case, typically involve fake text messages that deceive recipients into clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. In this instance, the elderly victim was lured into sharing sensitive information or transferring funds to criminals posing as legitimate financial institutions. This incident highlights the growing risks posed by cybercrimes targeting older, more vulnerable populations.

MOCA’s investigation into the scam began shortly after the fraudulent activity was detected, and the agency has been working closely with financial institutions and law enforcement partners to trace and recover the stolen

The six individuals are scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on Wednesday, December 11, where they will face formal charges in connection with the crime.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional arrests may follow as they continue to unravel the broader network of individuals involved in this and potentially other cybercrime operations.

This case highlights the growing threat of cyber-enabled crime in Jamaica and underscores the importance of vigilance in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to be cautious of unsolicited text messages and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.