The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), along with the St Andrew North Police and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialised Operations Unit, made two more arrests in connection with the ongoing investigation into a $47.5 million phishing scam at the National Commercial Bank (NCB).
The arrests, which took place at approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday, occurred at residences in Portmore, St Catherine, and Havendale, St Andrew. A search of both locations resulted in the recovery of several evidentiary items.
Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the network behind this sophisticated cybercrime. “This morning’s arrests demonstrate our commitment to tracking down those responsible for this major cybercrime, and underscore the importance of collaboration in addressing organised criminal networks and cyber-enabled financial crimes,” Jarrett stated.
The phishing scam, which occurred between April and June 2022, targeted 16 accounts at NCB, resulting in over $47 million being transferred to various beneficiaries’ accounts. These funds were later withdrawn or moved to other banks.
In addition to the two new arrests, a Jamaica Defence Force soldier has also been arrested as part of the investigation. MOCA is urging the public to remain cautious with their online activities and report any suspicious financial transactions to their tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.
