MOCA ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTED LOTTERY SCAMMERS

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) this morning arrested and charged three persons, following a series of coordinated anti-lottery scamming operations at several locations in Kingston and St Andrew this morning.

According to MOCA’s Director of Communications, Major Basil Jarrett, MOCA Agents, supported by officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) went to two premises in Belvedere, St Andrew and one in Perkins Estate, Kingston at approximately 5 a.m. today, to issue arrest warrants for three persons believed to be involved in lottery scamming activities.

The suspects, two men and one woman, are alleged to be members of an organised crime syndicate conducting lottery scamming operations from the two upscale Belvedere properties. In making the arrests, the MOCA team also seized a number of evidentiary items.

“In recent times”, said Jarrett, “we have detected an increase in criminal activities, particularly lottery scamming, being conducted from private, upscale residences such as this apartment complex in Belvedere. We believe that criminals have been targeting these rental properties due to the quiet cover they provide, and so we are once again urging renters and owners to be particularly vigilant when renting these properties.”

Major Jarrett said this morning’s arrests demonstrate the strength of MOCA’s collaborations and coordination with its JCF partners, and thanked the police for their enthusiastic and unwavering support.

The suspects are being held at Constant Spring and Red Hills Police stations and are expected to be charged with breaches of the Law Reform Act.