CARIBBEAN CRIME WAVE: Cybercriminals Cash In on Pandemic Chaos

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread globally, criminal networks in the Commonwealth Caribbean exploited the crisis to carry out a wave of cybercrime, wreaking havoc on individuals and organizations alike.

Organised Crime in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a hotbed of organized crime, with criminal groups operating across the region. These groups are often linked to foreign organizations from South America, particularly Colombia and Mexico, as well as Italian mafia networks. Street gangs are also prevalent, with over 260 reported in Jamaica alone.

• The region’s porous borders and lack of effective law enforcement have made it an attractive haven for criminals.
• Drug trafficking is the main source of “dirty money” in the region, with illegal flows often being legitimized through legal businesses such as real estate and banking.

Cybercrime on the Rise

As organized crime groups went online during the pandemic, cybercrime became a lucrative new frontier. Cybercriminals used a combination of ransomware, phishing, and other forms of fraud to swindle organizations, investors, and individuals.

• The internet has become a major enabler for organized crime groups in the Caribbean, allowing them to communicate, research, and monetize their illegal activities with ease.
• The dark web, a hidden corner of the internet, is particularly popular among criminal networks.

Cyber-Enabled Crimes in the Caribbean

Phishing has become a common occurrence across the region, with individuals being targeted by scammers posing as bank officials or government agencies. Some examples include:

• In Jamaica, the National Commercial Bank was hit by a phishing and smishing scheme.
• In Dominica, a similar scam was carried out by email.

Skimming, which involves capturing credit card information without the owner’s knowledge, has also become more prevalent in the region. For example:

• In Trinidad and Tobago, skimmers have set up shop in popular shopping areas, compromising the security of unsuspecting shoppers.

The Future of Cybercrime in the Caribbean

As the pandemic continues to shape the global landscape, it is clear that organized crime groups will continue to exploit online vulnerabilities to carry out their illegal activities. Law enforcement agencies must work together to stay ahead of these criminals and protect individuals and organizations from falling prey to their schemes.

• In the meantime, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to secure their online activities, including:
  • Using strong passwords
  • Keeping software up-to-date
  • Avoiding suspicious links and attachments