JDF soldier arrested in $47 million NCB phishing scam probe

Law enforcers have arrested a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier as part of an ongoing investigation into a sophisticated phishing scam that defrauded the National Commercial Bank (NCB) of over $47 million dollars.

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) says the arrest was made this morning by its officers, collaborating with the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

It says the soldier is suspected to be part of an organised criminal syndicate.

It is alleged that between April and June 2022, the funds were illegally accessed from a number of accounts held at NCB, via an online phishing scam.

The stolen money was subsequently transferred to various beneficiary accounts, which have since been used to withdraw the funds or further transfer them to other banking institutions.

MOCA says the soldier was picked up approximately 10 a.m. today, and taken to his residence in Kingston which was subsequently searched.

An address linked to another suspect who is currently in custody was also searched. A number of electronic devices were seized during the search and charges are expected to be laid shortly.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar.