KINGSTON, Jamaica— A Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier was arrested Tuesday morning for his alleged involvement in a phishing scam that has defrauded the National Commercial Bank (NCB) of over $47 million.

Reports are that between April and June 2022, the funds were illegally accessed from a number of accounts held at NCB through an online phishing scam. It is further alleged that the stolen money was subsequently transferred to various beneficiary accounts, which have since been used to withdraw funds or further transfer them to other banking institutions.

Agents from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (CTOC) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) made the arrest at 10:00am.

It is reported that the lawmen picked up the soldier, who is suspected of being a part of an organised criminal syndicate, and took him to his Kingston residence which was searched.

MOCA said an address linked to another suspect who is currently in custody was also searched.

A number of electronic devices were seized during the search and charges are expected to be laid shortly, MOCA said in a news release on Tuesday.

“This morning’s arrest highlights the commitment of MOCA and its law enforcement partners to dismantling organized crime networks and holding accountable those involved in complex financial crimes. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between intelligence, investigative, and technological capabilities in tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes,” said Major Basil Jarrett, director of communications at MOCA.

Major Jarrett went on to thank the JDF for its collaboration on the matter, noting its zero tolerance approach towards illicit activities of its members.

“The JDF has a long history of discipline and integrity and is determined to preserve that reputation. Their support and partnership on this case was invaluable,” he said.