KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the $47.5 million phishing scam targeting National Commercial Bank (NCB) customers.

The latest individuals taken into custody are a 25-year-old man from Cassava Piece, Kingston and a 24-year-old woman from Gregory Park in Portmore, St Catherine.

Law enforcement officials detained the man early Thursday at his residence while the woman was arrested on Wednesday at her home in Gregory Park. The operations were carried out by MOCA agents in collaboration with officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Director of Communications at MOCA, Major Basil Jarrett confirmed that search and arrest warrants were executed at both locations.

“Both persons were detained during the operations, and several evidentiary items also seized,” he stated.

The suspects are expected to face formal charges in the coming days.

With these arrests, the total number of individuals detained in relation to the cybercrime now stands at 14.

READ: 8 more arrests in $47.5 million NCB phishing scam — MOCA

The phishing scam, which took place between April and June 2022, involved an organised crime syndicate that illicitly accessed 16 NCB accounts and transferred over $47 million to various beneficiary accounts.

“Today’s arrests demonstrate MOCA’s commitment to ensuring that everyone involved in this massive crime is brought before the courts,” said Major Jarrett. He emphasised that cybercrime and fraud remain high-priority issues due to the increasing prevalence of criminal activity.

The latest Jamaica National Crime Victimisation Survey (JNCVS), published last week by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, reported 88,108 incidents of bank and consumer fraud in 2023. The data highlights the growing threat of white-collar crimes, which are becoming as common as traditional street crimes.

Major Jarrett urged the public to remain vigilant in their online transactions and to report any suspicious activities related to financial fraud. He also acknowledged the support of JCF partners in the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about financial crimes is encouraged to contact MOCA’s tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.