Headlines:
| Lotto racketeer granted bail |
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| Friday, 22 February 2008 | |
A 17 year old youth who
was charged in connection with the multi-million dollar lottery scam was
released on bail on Friday after spending one month behind bars.The teenager, from Bogue in St. James, was offered bail in the sum of $100,000 when he appeared before the Half-Way-Tree Criminal Court. His aunt, Rose Brown and another man, Calvin Wilmot, who are charged jointly with him, also appeared in court. The three were arrested during a sting operation by the Organised Crime Unit on January 21st. Investigators claim that the three were caught collecting money at a Western Union branch in Montego Bay. Other documents connected to the illegal lottery racket were also found in their possession. Over the past two years, the police have arrested and charged more than 20 persons in connection with the lottery scam which has caused bloodshed in the second city. Investigators said the accused have been able to fleece millions of dollars from persons living in the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries. The foreigners were told that they won the lottery and were encouraged to send money to Jamaica through Western Union as part of the processing fee. The three accused are scheduled to return to court on April 15th. |