Financial Fraud Cases in Jamaica: Four Charged with Stealing $46 Million from JMMB Account
Investigation Uncovers Large-Scale Cyber Scheme
Four individuals, including Sophia Dobson, Racquel Morrison, Jahsean Brown, and Everald McKenzie, have been charged in connection with a sophisticated cyber scheme that resulted in the theft of over $46 million from an account at Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) bank. The suspects allegedly gained access to sensitive personal data to carry out the fraud.
Suspects Charged
- Sophia Dobson, 48, and Racquel Morrison, 28, both unemployed residents of Caladium Crescent in Kingston 11
- Jahsean Brown, 23, a warehouse supervisor from Penwood Crescent
- Everald McKenzie, 25, also a resident of Waltham Avenue
Each of the suspects faces various charges, including:
- Engaging in a transaction involving criminal property
- Facilitating a transaction involving criminal property
- Simple larceny
- Unauthorized access to computer data
- Conspiracy to defraud
Remaining Suspect Still at Large
One additional suspect is still in police custody awaiting legal representation.
Previous Arrests Linked to Same Investigation
Three other individuals, Stashanie Smellie, 35, Kehoe Hibbert, 42, and Timera Whyte, 25, were similarly charged in May 2022. They are currently facing justice after being apprehended during a series of joint operations led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID), the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU), and other law enforcement agencies.
Investigation Originated from JMMB Report
The investigation began with a report made to FID in March 2022 by JMMB concerning unauthorized access to computer data and simple larceny on behalf of their client. The victim, who provided a statement to the police, reported that over $46 million was transferred from his account without his knowledge over a period of 10 days.
Money Transferred to Multiple Bank Accounts
The monies were transferred to the bank accounts of over 30 individuals, mainly residing in the St Andrew South Police Division. Evidence revealed that most of the receiving accounts were registered to persons who were compromised by the fraudsters, who changed certain security credentials and created an online banking profile for the victim’s account, ultimately emptying it.
Authorities Encourage Public Cooperation
The authorities are still investigating the case and have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. If you have any knowledge about this incident, please contact the Financial Investigations Division or other law enforcement agencies.