Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with a major bank fraud scheme in Jamaica, involving the theft of over $10 million from a single bank customer. The arrests were announced on Tuesday by the Fraud Division of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC).
The scam was carried out by unknown individuals who impersonated bank representatives, both online and in person, to deceive the customer and steal large sums from their bank account. The stolen amount included USD$63,871 and JMD$10,162,468, which were then distributed to various accounts, including those of the seven suspects.
Those arrested include:
Natanya Murray, 21, a security officer from Portsmouth, St Catherine
Jamiela O’Connor, 19, from Hamstead Avenue, Kingston
Rojourn Bowler, 21, from Tarrant Drive, Kingston 10
Rojhe Marthluck, 21, a janitor from Cadot Close, Kingston 5
Christopher Fellows, 42, a security officer from Wild Street, Kingston 6
Brithany Smith, 23, a trainer from Braeton Meadows, St Catherine
Michael Williams, 28, a carpenter from Old Braeton, St Catherine
All suspects have been charged with receiving stolen property and are scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on January 31, 2025.
The Fraud Division is urging the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters impersonating bank officials. Bank customers are advised to refrain from sharing personal banking information with unknown individuals and to avoid granting access to their accounts to anyone involved in fraudulent activities.
Police are continuing their investigations with the goal of uncovering and dismantling broader criminal networks behind this scam. Authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward to aid in the ongoing inquiry.
