The Financial Investigations Division (FID) has achieved significant victories in its relentless pursuit of financial criminals, securing approximately J$1billion in forfeiture and pecuniary penalty orders against drug (narcotics) traffickers and lottery scammers over the period June 2020 to August 2024.
Through 25 narcotics-related cases and 17 lottery scamming cases, investigators uncovered substantial financial benefits derived from criminal activities, totaling J$801 million and US$112,600 for drug trafficking, and J$331 million and US$347,492 for lottery scamming activities.
During the period, the Court adjudicated eight narcotics-related matters, resulting in forfeiture or pecuniary penalty orders being granted against the defendants, in the amounts of J$892,855,679. Meanwhile, the Court settled seven lottery scamming matters resulting in forfeiture or pecuniary penalty orders being granted against the defendants, in the amounts of JM$31,824,550 and US$71,230.
The success is attributed not only to the FID’s dedicated Financial Crime Investigators and Forensic Examiners, but also to its strategic partnerships with both local and international law enforcement bodies.
Collaborating closely with the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter Terrorism & Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC) and the, as well as the United States Postal Inspection Service and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the FID has strengthened its capacity to dismantle cross-border criminal networks, track illicit financial flows, and secure substantial forfeitures in court.
Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations, emphasized the FID’s approach: “These achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration. Working alongside our partners both locally and abroad, we are more effective in dismantling criminal networks, depriving offenders of ill-gotten gains, and protecting the country’s financial system.
Our collective efforts are vital in discouraging future crimes and upholding the integrity of our financial systems.”
He added, “We continue to urge citizens to report suspicious financial activities. Community support is essential to the fight against criminal threats. Together with our partners, we are committed to fostering a safer and more secure Jamaica.”