Head of the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID), Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey, says that 80 to 90 per cent of the lottery scams and the credit and debit card frauds are committed by homosexuals.

According to Bailey, "In 2007, we arrested 14 persons in Montego Bay and 12 of them declared that they are homosexuals. I never said that they are involved in all forms of crimes; but specifically the lottery scam, debit and credit card fraud."

These homosexuals, Bailey said, when arrested are not treated unfairly by the police instead they are treated with a high level of professionalism and respect.

Bailey further reasoned, that over $33 million has been fueled into the island via the remittance services used in the lottery scams. "MoBay is the hub for these crimes, but it is happening all over, in Portland, St Mary, St Catherine, Kingston, all over the country, it is not confined to Montego Bay," he said.

In the meantime, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) is expressing concern over the police's statement that homosexuals are the main perpetrators in lottery scams and debit and credit card frauds.

In a press release issued by J-FLAG yesterday, Executive Director Dane Lewis explained that, "The assertions made by the police are inflammatory and very irresponsible. The pronouncement is broad brushing homosexuals."

According to the director, the assertions made by the police have the potential to put the gay community at further risk for violence."