Jamaican businessman held for foreign exchange scam

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaican police are warning people to be careful about individuals involved in the sale or purchase of United States currency outside of authorised financial institutions, after a 36-year-old businessman was charged with the offence of larceny by trick.

“Notably, this scam is not new, but has resurfaced. This incident marks the third reported occurrence since the beginning of the year,” said Acting Superintendent, Coleridge Mint.

Police have charged Dwight Johnson, also known as ‘Links’ or ‘Foodie’,  with the offence of larceny by trick after he and another individual, who remains at large, on February 22 this year, accompanied the complainants to purchase the US currency equivalent to J$1,960,000 (One Jamaica dollar-US$0.008 cents).

The police said that during the transaction, one of the individuals substituted the intended bag of US dollar notes with one containing only one Us dollar, before fleeing the scene with the  the substantial sum.

The police said following investigations, Johnson was identified as a suspect, leading to his arrest.

Mint is urging members of the public to conduct foreign exchange transactions through legitimate channels.

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