Massive Fraud Bust in Portmore Yields an Additional J$38.3 Million and Expands Investigation
St Catherine, Jamaica — In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a large-scale fraud operation, law enforcement officials uncovered an additional J$38.3 million in cash during a secondary search of a property in Caribbean Estate, Portmore, St Catherine. The operation, executed on Saturday, is part of an intensified crackdown by Jamaican authorities on organized crime and financial fraud.
This recent cash discovery adds to the approximately J$50 million previously found at the same location on St Vincent Boulevard. Alongside the cash, authorities have seized an undisclosed amount of US and British Pound currencies, four luxury vehicles, firearms, and additional evidence pointing to a sophisticated criminal network. Two individuals have been arrested so far in connection with these discoveries.
The search, which spanned nearly eight hours from 11:30 am to 7:10 pm, was conducted by a coordinated team comprising the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD), the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), the Financial Investigation Division (FID), and the Caribbean Search Centre. Investigators, working meticulously, discovered critical evidence including electronic devices, a currency counting machine, financial documents, luxury receipts, and designer handbags. The presence of the suspects and their attorney was ensured throughout the operation.
In a parallel move, authorities subjected the previously seized high-end motor vehicles to detailed inspections, uncovering more financial documents that will aid in strengthening the ongoing probe. These findings mark a turning point, as they have widened the investigation beyond initial suspicions of lottery scamming.
The police indicate that the breadth of the illicit activities could extend further than initially believed, raising the possibility of charges that could encompass a broader range of criminal violations. Charges against the suspects are expected to be formalized shortly as the investigation deepens.
This operation underscores the persistent efforts by Jamaican law enforcement to dismantle complex criminal syndicates and mitigate financial crimes that adversely impact the nation’s economy. The community and various stakeholders keenly await further updates as authorities work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
