A 37-year-old man from Runaway Bay in St. Ann who police believe is the mastermind behind a major electronic fraud ring has been nabbed by the police. The man was arrested on Monday, May 19, during the wee hours of the morning at an automated teller machine (ATM) at a financial institution in Ocho Rios St. Ann. Since his arrest, investigators have revealed that the accused, who has not yet been charged, is wanted for questioning in relation to similar crimes in other parishes North Coast Times has learnt that the man is wanted by police in neighboring St. Mary, Portmore in St. Catherine and in the Corporate Area. Head of the Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division for Area II, deputy superintendent of police Alwin Brown, who led the team that arrested the suspect last week, said the man had been under surveillance for some time.
SPECIAL OPERATION
DSP Brown said the man was arrested during a special operation which was also carried out in the Brown’s Town area and at his apartment in Runaway Bay. Police said the suspect used a white towel to cover his face while inside the ATM. According to DSP Brown cash amounting to over half a million dollars as well as 29 duplicated ATM cards were taken from the man. He said the police also seized a laptop and a motorcar which the suspect had rented and which was parked outside the ATM. According to DSP Brown over $150,000 was found on the man when he was arrested at the ATM. He said receipts were also found showing withdrawals of various amounts taken from the bank shortly before he was apprehended.
In one case the accused made an inquiry of an account then made two withdraws from the account amounting to $50,000. Several other withdrawals were made. DSP Brown said a large portion of the money which was recovered was found locked inside a safe at the man’s apartment in Runaway Bay. “He is considered a major player in a criminal enterprise, particularly electronic fraud, 29 duplicate ATM cards were retrieved from him as also the sum of J$622, 800,” DSP explained. He said a number of persons have been fleeced by the man and his cronies. DSP Brown said the arrest should send a strong message to others who might be involved in similar criminal activities. He said the police are also committed to going after those criminals. DSP Brown is also imploring members of the public to be extremely careful when doing transactions using their ATM cards. “Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and no longer are we only to be concerned about persons who grab your bag or pick your pockets, these persons are educated crooks,” DSP Brown warned.
