Suspects Charged After Major Card Fraud and Crypto Transfer Probe

Police have intensified their crackdown on a suspected financial crime network with the arrest and charging of two additional individuals linked to a card-skimming and cryptocurrency laundering operation in Manchester.

The accused are 25-year-old Alrick Bruce, a fast-food employee, and 23-year-old sales representative Shanae Smith, both residents of Mandeville.

Investigators assigned to the Fraud Squad and the Financial Crime Investigation Division of the Specialised Investigation Branch confirmed that Bruce faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, simple larceny, possession of identity information, and breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act. Smith has been charged with conspiracy to defraud and unlawfully providing a device or data intended to facilitate criminal activity.

Authorities reported that both suspects were taken into custody and formally charged on Monday. They are scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday, May 4.

Their arrests come as the investigation widens following the February 14, 2026 apprehension of three fast-food workers. That phase of the probe began after reports surfaced of unauthorised transactions exceeding $600,000.

Law enforcement personnel also carried out coordinated operations in Maverley, St Andrew, and Mandeville, Manchester. During those actions, officers seized two firearms along with five rounds of ammunition.

Detectives allege that between June 2025 and January 2026, Bruce accessed and misused customers’ card details while assigned to a restaurant drive-thru. The illicit proceeds were reportedly converted into Bitcoin, with approximately $1.5 million later transferred to a bank account registered to Smith.