FID Urges Public Caution as Westmoreland Businessman is Charged for Investment Fraud

On December 12, 2024, Jason Kameka, a 53-year-old, businessman from Westmoreland, was arrested and charged for breaches of the Larceny Act, the Securities Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). The charges stem from a 2022 report by an elderly United Kingdom citizen who alleged that Kameka solicited over £50,000 (approximately JMD 10.3 million) with promises of lucrative weekly returns on an investment. To date, Kameka has neither delivered on his promise nor refunded the complainant.

Following an intensive investigation, Kameka, who was listed as a Person of Interest, was apprehended by the Trelawny Police. He is scheduled to appear in the Trelawny Parish Court on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Several recent reports highlight fraudulent schemes involving forex and cryptocurrency investments, often initiated through social media platforms. The FID urges the public to remain vigilant when considering investment opportunities, particularly during the holiday season when fraud schemes increase significantly and beware the following when approached with investment opportunities:

  • Companies unregulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
  • Promises of exorbitant returns that seem “too good to be true”.
  • Contact initiated through unconventional means, such as social media.
  • Entities with no local presence or footprint; and
  • Limited communication options, such as only being reachable via WhatsApp or email.

The FID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Branch noted, “Fraudsters prey on trust and opportunity, so due diligence is essential. We are committed to protecting citizens by rooting out financial crimes and educating the public about the dangers of unregulated investments. We are warning all potential investors to verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities before committing funds.”