KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is warning Jamaicans, especially young professionals, the unemployed, and small business operators, not to allow their bank accounts, identities, or businesses to be used to move funds on behalf of others, as this could lead to criminal charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and other anti-money laundering laws.

This follows the arrest and charge of three people in connection with a $96 million fraud scheme involving unauthorised Point of Sale (POS) transactions carried out between November and December 2022.

They are Jerhoden Hinds, Lavonai Livermore, and Mezon Green.

The case has been under investigation by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) in collaboration with the JCF’s Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) within the Counter Terrorism & Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC).

“Too many persons, some knowingly, others out of ignorance or misplaced trust, are allowing themselves to become money mules for fraudsters. You may think you’re just doing a favour, accepting a transfer, or helping a ‘friend’ with a transaction. But when that money is tied to criminal conduct, you become a co-conspirator in a financial crime, and you will be held accountable under the law,” said FID’s principal director of Financial Crimes Investigations, Keith Darien.

Darien added, “This isn’t just about the masterminds. The law doesn’t excuse ignorance and wilful blindness. If you facilitate criminal property, you will be charged. Protect yourself. Protect your future. Don’t be a money mule. We commend the continued collaboration between the FID, CTOC and the Constabulary Financial Unit. Together, we’re working to dismantle financial crime networks at every level—from orchestrators to facilitators.”