4 people had been arrested this morning as a part of an investigation into the alleged theft of over $80 million from the Nationwide Industrial Financial institution (NCB).
The coordinated operation concerned personnel from the Main Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Company (MOCA) and police divisions together with St Andrew South, Kingston Jap, St Catherine South, and St Catherine North.
In keeping with a MOCA media launch on Wednesday, the suspects are accused of stealing the funds by phishing, smishing, and vishing assaults between April 2022 and December 2023. Investigators allege that eight NCB account holders had been defrauded, with the stolen cash transferred to 23 beneficiaries reportedly concerned within the scheme.
The 4 suspects are anticipated to be formally charged shortly, MOCA confirmed.
For context, phishing and smishing scams contain fraudulent emails and textual content messages, respectively, designed to imitate professional firm communications to trick victims into revealing delicate account info.
Main Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, mentioned this morning’s arrests spotlight the continued work of the company’s Cyber-Crime Investigation Unit, particularly in gentle of the rising menace of cyber and cyber-enabled crimes.
He urged members of the general public to stay vigilant on-line by verifying the legitimacy of communications and web sites they work together with, and to take steps to guard confidential info, notably because the busy Christmas season approaches.
Jarrett additionally inspired anybody with info on cybercrime to contact the MOCA tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP
