The Kingston Western Police arrested an alleged suspected scammer in connection with an ongoing operation that has affected several individuals.
The police said an investigation is underway into an attempted fraud involving a Portland hotelier, which unfolded between January 9 and 10, 2024
According to reports, a suspect allegedly approached the businessperson and claimed he was an assistant of Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz. The suspect later told the complainant that he was a customs officer and his name was Mr. Reynolds.
Then, the suspect proceeded to offer the hotelier a chance to purchase two 2019 Toyota Prado motorcars; and requested that the businessperson pay customs duty and storage fees totaling J$2.5 million.
Later, the complainant reached out to Minister Vaz to authenticate the identity of the suspect.
As a result, the police carried out a sting operation, which led them to arrest an unnamed suspect, age 31, an auto mechanic, from a Draxhall address in St Ann as he tried to retrieve J$2.5 million.
The police detained the suspect at the Denham Town police lock-up on suspicion of obtaining money by false pretenses as they gathered all the pieces of information to ascertain the full extent of this alleged fraudulent operation.
The JCF stated its dedication to combating deceitful practices and ensuring the safety and security of the public. They also advised the public to exercise caution and vigilance against such scams.
“We encourage citizens to thoroughly verify the authenticity of such offers and promptly report any dubious activities to the police. This can be done by contacting the Denham Town CIB at 876-948-6443, reaching out to Crime Stop at 311, using the police 119 emergency number, or visiting the nearest police station,” the JCF emphasized.
A Parish Judge granted the mob of 7 accused in the beating of a 14-year-old girl bail
Seven individuals have been granted bail after being charged for the vicious assault of a 14-year-old girl in Clarendon in December.
Following their arrest, the accused appeared to be in high spirits, seemingly unaware of the gravity of their actions. However, their demeanor may have shifted after spending close to a week behind bars, possibly leading to feelings of remorse.
The charges include unlawful wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against 52-year-old Pauline Hugh-Smith, Fayann Millwood, 22-year-old Amanda Anderson, as well as three teenage girls aged 15, 16, and 17, and a 17-year-old boy. Additionally, Anderson faces a charge of common assault.
Bail was set at $1.2 million for each of the adults, while the minors were granted bail at $600,000 each.
Senior parish judge Dahlia Findlay imposed a gag order on the accused, prohibiting them from discussing the case publicly. Furthermore, the accused have been barred from using WhatsApp and all other social media platforms.
The next court appearance for the accused is scheduled for March 26, 2023.