Caribbean360: Young Jamaican held for international lottery scam

Young Jamaican held for international lottery scam
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Chris Hoyos on 06/10/2011 11:30:00
 
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thursday October 6, 2011 – An auto parts dealer in Montego
Bay is accused of leading a double life as detectives from Jamaicans Organised
Crime Investigation Division (OCID) swooped down on him after a three-day
operation in that north-west city.
Several charges of money-laundering have been laid against the man identified as
Shawn Lawrence, 29, of Montego Bay, St. James, who is believed to be one of the
masterminds behind a multi-million dollar lottery scam.
Lawrence was apprehended in an early morning raid on his multi-million dollar
Bogue Village home. The raid formed part of a months-long joint investigation by
United States authorities in conjunction with the Jamaica Constabulary Force,
which culminated in a three-day operation in Montego Bay, from September 21-23.
Under the scam, victims in the United States were conned into sending money to a
bogus lottery authority as a means toward claiming their supposed winnings.
Several items were seized in the raid under the Proceeds of Crime Act in the
operation, including residential and commercial property valued at just under
JAM$200 million. Unofficial word is that along with his Bogue Village home and
auto parts business in Catherine Hall, Lawrence is thought to have held an
extensive real estate portfolio that consists of properties in Bogue Village and
Ironshore, St James, as well as Richmond Estate in St Ann.
Four motor cars including a 2012 Mercedes Benz were also seized. Several
computers, call lists, and other equipment believed to be used in the lottery
scam, were taken and are now in the possession of the police.
Detectives say they are now following strong leads as the investigation
intensifies.
Thirteen other persons, nine of whom have since been released, were also
detained at separate locations across St James. Click here to receive free news
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