Alleged Lottery Scammer Fleeced J$13m From US Victims
The Jamaican man who was arrested in Hanover yesterday on an extradition warrant has been accused by United States (US) authorities of being part of a lottery-scam syndicate that fleeced a number of American citizens of US$100,000, or approximately J$13 million.
Oraine Gray, 22, was taken into custody during a pre-dawn operation at his home in Haughton Grove district. The operation was conducted by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Lottery Scam Task Force and Fugitive Apprehension Team, with support from US law enforcement agents.
The police report that lottery-scamming paraphernalia, including electronic devices and lead sheets, were seized during the operation.
Jamaican law enforcement officials confirmed late yesterday that Gray was indicted in the US State of Arizona for 11 criminal offences related to the lottery scam or advance-fee fraud.
According to one official, the charges included fraud and extortion.
The JCF, in a statement yesterday, said that Gray is wanted in the US for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud, attempted mail fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and money laundering.
The police say he is to appear in court early next week for an extradition hearing.