Another arrest in MOCA probe of $47.5 million phishing scam at NCB

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is reporting that another person has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the $47.5 million phishing scam at the National Commercial Bank (NCB).

The woman was arrested at her home in Clarendon Park, Clarendon, during a targeted operation on Thursday, which involved MOCA, the Clarendon police, and the Jamaica Defence Force.

According to Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, the woman is believed to be part of an organised criminal syndicate responsible for the theft.

He said the location was subsequently searched and a number of evidentiary items were recovered.

“This arrest is another clear signal that MOCA will not relent in the fight against cyber-enabled financial crimes,” said Jarrett in a media release on Friday.

“We are committed to bringing offenders to justice, but we cannot do it alone. Strong partnerships and public cooperation remain essential to dismantling these sophisticated criminal networks, and we urge anyone with information on this or other similar cybercrimes to come forward and assist us,” he continued.

At least a dozen persons have been arrested in connection with the cybercrime, which fleeced NCB customers of over $47 million.

MOCA reported that the offences took place between April and June 2022, when members of the organised crime syndicate targeted 16 NCB accounts in a phishing scam and transferred the funds to a number of beneficiaries’ accounts, which have since been withdrawn or transferred to other banks.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.