Over $38 million in cash seized in anti-lottery scamming operation in Portmore

The police are reporting that detectives on Saturday seized an additional $38.3 million in cash during a secondary search of the property in Caribbean Estate, Portmore, St Catherine which was swooped down on as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected lottery scamming activities.

The police say during the search, which was carried out in the presence of two suspects who were previously arrested, investigators also recovered two electronic devices, a currency counting machine, financial documents, luxury receipts, and designer handbags.

The couple's attorney was also present during the operation.

In custody are a 32-year-old man who is employed as a treasury custodian at courier company Beryllium and his 32-year-old common-law spouse, who is a former employee of the company.

During the first operation on Tuesday, the police said they seized over J$64 million, USD$317,000, £11,550 and other currencies.

Saturday's operation, which took place between 11:30 a.m. and 7:10 p.m., was led by detectives from the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division, with support from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), the Financial Investigation Division (FID), and the Caribbean Search Centre.

In addition to the house search, previously seized motor vehicles were inspected and further financial documents found within the vehicles were taken for investigation, according to the police.

The police say these developments are expected to bolster the ongoing probe. Investigators have confirmed that the scope of the investigation has expanded beyond what was suspected to be lottery scamming activities.

Charges against the suspects are expected to be laid in the coming days as the investigation progresses.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.