Three Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Cyber Fraud Case — Six Others Face Trial

KINGSTON, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) — A $61-million fraud and money-laundering ring that relied on SIM-swap tactics and money mules to siphon money from victims’ bank accounts has led to multiple convictions in the Corporate Area Parish Court.

The case unfolded after a 2021 report from a local financial institution triggered a major joint investigation led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), including the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) within C-TOC and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

Those convicted include two customer service representatives, aged 25 and 29, and a 32-year-old self-employed man. Investigators say their roles ranged from granting access to secured computer systems to carrying out illegal financial transactions. They are to be sentenced on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Authorities revealed that the network used SIM-swap fraud, where victims’ mobile numbers were taken over through social-engineering tricks, allowing scammers to hack online banking accounts and transfer funds into “money mule” accounts for quick withdrawals.

In total, nine individuals are before the courts in connection with the scheme. While three have already been convicted, six others — including a 34-year-old accountant, 24-year-old account associate, and a 23-year-old legal filing clerk — remain on trial.

Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations at the FID, Keith Darien, said the outcome reflects the strength of Jamaica’s united law-enforcement front against financial crime.

“The FID works shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in the JCF, sharing intelligence, building joint cases, and moving decisively from detection to prosecution,” Darien said.

He also issued a strong warning to the public:

“Do not let anyone use your bank account or identity for criminal activity. If you do, you will face serious consequences.”