Some of the Digicel phonecards and other equipment that were seized by the cops. - Crystal Harrison

The police say they have arrested and charged two men in connection with the seizure of several fraudulent Digicel phonecards and bypass fraud equipment.

Detectives from the Organised Crime Investigation Division, (OCID), told THE WEEKEND STAR yesterday that between September 28, and October 1, an operation was carried out between the parishes of Westmoreland and St Andrew into an alleged case of bypass fraud.

"Bypass fraud is an operation used to circumvent the international voice service of Digicel and other service providers," Detective Inspector Colin Campbell from OCID said.

The detective further said that service providers have lost millions of dollars in this kind of fraud, as international calls would be reflected as local calls.

Those charged with possession of hardware with intent to defraud and trespassing upon the facility of Digicel are Kirk Hammond and Balmain Reid.

Some of the items seized include, sim boxes, standby generators, mobile phone credit, computers, antennas and modems.

Both accused men are to face the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court early next week.

The police say they are advising persons not to facilitate these equipment on their properties as it is illegal.