KINGSTON, Jamaica – Two people have been slapped with fraud-related charges involving bank customers following an investigation by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) along with officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC) and supported by the St Andrew South Police Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Javina Baker and Daniel McNaughton were charged after a coordinated operation in the early hours last Thursday. They were implicated in what the FID is describing as a “web of financial fraud.”

Baker faces charges of conspiracy to defraud, unauthorised access to computer data, and making a device available for committing an offence.

While, McNaughton has been charged with simple larceny, conspiracy to defraud, possession of criminal property, engaging in a transaction involving criminal property, unauthorised access to computer data, and making a device available for committing an offence.

“Commencing before dawn, the team of 18 officers descended upon two residences located on Delmonte Avenue and Calladium Crescent in the Kingston 11 area. With authorised search warrants, the operation was carried out with precision and concluded with no incidents, reflecting the high standards and professionalism of our enforcement teams,” a statement from the FID read.

Seized during this operation were multiple cellular phones, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis.

Baker and McNaughton were detained and escorted to the Olympic Gardens Police Station where, following an interview under caution in the presence of legal representation, a series of charges were laid.

Additionally, the FID said it has identified and received multiple reports of a disturbing surge in fraudulent schemes targeting banking institutions and their clientele over the past 12 months.

“A targeted allocation of investigative resources has been dedicated to countering this trend, with the goal of identifying and prosecuting all related parties, including those who support laundering the stolen funds through their bank accounts,” it said.

“Over the last year, 15 individuals have been charged for their involvement in the theft of bank customer credentials and personal data, subsequently enabling the illicit use of the victims’ money, primarily through online transactions. These individuals are currently before the Courts. Several other persons who are suspected to be involved in this fraudulent scheme, are being investigated by the FID,” the FID revealed.

Nevertheless, the FID’s Principal Director of Investigations, Keith Darien, commented on the trend and the arrests.

“Over the last 12 months, the FID has observed what seems to be an increase in fraudulent activities against banks and their customers. We have allocated resources to this emerging trend, aimed at investigating and prosecuting all persons involved, including those who facilitated the crime, by allowing the use of their bank accounts to launder money fleeced from victims’ accounts,” Darien said.

He added, “We urge persons to resist the temptation of getting involved in financial crimes, as the FID and its partners are adequately resourced to investigate these matters and ensure that you do not benefit from the proceeds of crime.”

According to the FID, the arrests are “indicative of the sustained efforts by the FID and the JCF” to intensify collaborative measures in our ongoing battle against financial crimes while broadening the application of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) across law enforcement.

These strategic actions, the FID said, are “a testament to the robustness of our operations and our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and protecting the community.”

“The Financial Investigations Division remains dedicated to eradicating financial crime and protecting economic stability through collaborative efforts, rigorous investigation, and strategic enforcement,” the FID said.

The FID urged the public to abstain from engaging in financial crimes.

“The FID is fully equipped to conduct thorough investigations and to lead evidence-based prosecutions in the Courts, thereby ensuring that criminal activities are neither profitable nor sustainable,” the FID warned.