The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is again warning Jamaicans – especially young professionals, the unemployed, and small business operators – not to allow their bank accounts, identities, or businesses to be used to move funds on behalf of others, as this could lead to criminal charges the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and other anti-money laundering laws.
The warning follows the arrest and charge of three individuals—Jerhoden Hinds, Lavonai Livermore, and Mezon Green—in connection with a J$96 million fraud scheme involving unauthorized Point of Sale (POS) transactions carried out between November and December 2022. The case has been under investigation by the FID in collaboration with the JCF’s Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) within the Counter Terrorism & Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC).
FID’s Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations, Mr. Keith Darien warned the public, “Too many persons, some knowingly, others out of ignorance or misplaced trust, are allowing themselves to become money mules for fraudsters. You may think you’re just doing a favour, accepting a transfer, or helping a ‘friend’ with a transaction. But when that money is tied to criminal conduct, you become a co-conspirator in a financial crime, and you will be held accountable under the law.”
Darien added, “This isn’t just about the masterminds. The law doesn’t excuse ignorance and wilful blindness. If you facilitate criminal property, you will be charged. Protect yourself. Protect your future. Don’t be a money mule. We commend the continued collaboration between the FID, CTOC and the Constabulary Financial Unit. Together, we’re working to dismantle financial crime networks at every level—from orchestrators to facilitators.”
The FID and JCF continue to investigate other individuals and businesses linked to this case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the FID confidentially at 876-928-5141 or email contact@fid.gov.jm.
Further, the FID has been steadily improving its capacity as we are intent to ensure that these and other financial crimes are eliminated as much as possible. We urge Jamaicans to be alert to common red flags and to know the signs which could make you a money mule:
- Being asked to receive or transfer money through your bank account on behalf of someone else.
- Opening a bank account under your name for another person to use.
- Receiving large, unexplained deposits with instructions to withdraw or forward the money.
Participation in these schemes, whether intentional or not, can lead to asset forfeiture, criminal charges, and permanent damage to your personal and financial reputation and we therefore urge everyone to know the signs and be aware. Law enforcement is adopting a zero-tolerance approach to money mules.
About the POS Fraud Scheme
At the center of the investigation is Original 24K Klothing Company Limited, operated by 25-year-old Jerhoden Hinds of Old Harbour, St. Catherine. Investigators found that the company fraudulently processed more than J$90 million using a POS terminal set to offline mode, bypassing real-time banking authorization protocols.
Once the money was advanced by the bank, it was funnelled through accounts belonging to other individuals and businesses.
- Lavonai Livermore, an unemployed woman from Clarendon, used her personal bank account to facilitate movement of illicit funds, including payments to Hinds.
- Mezon Green, a customer service representative from Manchester, used her personal bank account and a business account to facilitate movement of illicit funds for Hinds.
- Hinds, the alleged mastermind, was arrested in a May 12 operation that led to the seizure of five mobile phones, J$1.96 million in cash, and two locked safes.
All three individuals were formally charged with:
- Possession of Criminal Property
- Engaging in a Transaction Involving Criminal Property
- Conspiracy to Defraud
Hinds was additionally charged with Simple Larceny. Bail was granted for each accused in sums ranging from J$300,000 to J$400,000, with court appearances scheduled for July 2025 in Kingston and the Corporate Area Parish Court – Criminal Division.