Two more suspects arrested in NCB phishing scam probe

The ongoing investigation into a $47.5 million phishing scam at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) has resulted into two more persons now in custody.

The arrests were made about 5 a.m. Wednesday by personnel from the the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), the St Andrew North Police and the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Specialised Operations Unit.

Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, says the two suspects were arrested at their residences in Portmore, St Catherine, and Havendale, St Andrew. Both locations were searched and a number of evidentiary items recovered.

"This morning's arrest is a demonstration of the ongoing work that MOCA is doing to track down the persons responsible for this major cybercrime. It highlights our commitment to the task and once again emphasises the importance of partnerships and collaboration in dismantling organised criminal networks and in tackling such sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crimes."

It is alleged that between April and June 2022, over $47 million was stolen from 16 accounts held at NCB and transferred to a number of beneficiaries' accounts which have since been withdrawn or transferred to other banks.

A Jamaica Defence Force soldier is among those already arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the phishing scam.

Major Jarrett is encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant in their online activities and report any suspicious activities involving financial transactions to the agency's tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.

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