DETECTIVES attached to the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) have charged a man believed to be one of the masterminds behind the multimillion-dollar lottery scam.

He is 29-year-old Shawn Lawrence, of Bogue Village in Montego Bay, St. James. He has been charged with several counts of money laundering.

Lawrence, who is known as an auto-parts dealer in the Montego Bay area, was arrested at his multimillion-dollar home during an early-morning raid at the premises last week.

The raid formed part of a months-long joint investigation by United States authorities in conjunction with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which culminated in a three-day operation in Montego Bay, from September 21-23.

Several items were also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) in the operation. These include:

1. A commercial property valued at 70 million dollars

2. A residential property valued at 110 million dollars

3. Four motor cars, including one 2012 Mercedes Benz

Several computers, call lists, and other equipment believed to be used in the lottery scam, were also seized.

In addition, four persons have been charged for possession of hash oil. They are Colleen Dennis, Sylvester Craig, Sashana Reid, and Shanique Peart.

Detectives are now following strong leads as the investigation intensifies.