12 persons now in custody in connection with $47.5 million NCB phishing scam

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has now arrested a total of 12 individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into a $47.5 million phishing scam at the National Commercial Bank (NCB).

During early morning operations between Thursday and Friday, MOCA, in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), apprehended eight additional suspects at various locations across Kingston, St Andrew and Clarendon.

According to Major Basil Jarrett, MOCA’s director of communications, officers executed arrest warrants at residences in Whitehall Terrace, Kingston Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Stony Hill, and Tavern in Kingston and St Andrew; as well as Longville Park, Clarendon Park, and May Pen in Clarendon.

Among those taken into custody were three women. The eight suspects were arrested following searches of their premises and are expected to be formally charged soon.

Reports indicate that the alleged crimes took place between April and June 2022, when members of an organised crime syndicate reportedly targeted 16 NCB accounts through phishing tactics, transferring funds into various beneficiary accounts.

“We take crimes of this nature and magnitude seriously,” said Major Jarrett. “These arrests demonstrate MOCA’s commitment to bringing all involved parties before the courts.”

He also acknowledged the JCF’s vital role in the operation.

Major Jarrett urged the public to remain vigilant in their online activities and to report any suspicious financial transactions to MOCA’s tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.