Security forces raid locations linked to former SSL officials

Members of the security forces are conducting search-and-seizure operations at the homes of senior figures linked to the collapsed investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL).

Police are acting under warrants as part of a renewed push in the long-running investigation.

The coordinated operation is targeting four premises - three in St Andrew and one St James - as part of the ongoing probe of an alleged multibillion dollar fraud at the SSL

The operation is being carried out by the Financial Investigations Division (FID), the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), with support from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), according to a statement issued early Saturday morning.

The fraud scandal first came to public attention in January 2023.

“Members of the public are asked to remain calm and avoid operational areas where possible,” the statement added.

The operation marks the first major public law-enforcement development in the SSL case in more than a year.

The lone accused in the matter is former SSL employee Jean-Ann Panton, who was charged with multiple offences in February 2023.

In December 2023, the Financial Investigations Division submitted a case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, signalling the possibility of further charges.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions has since indicated that outstanding issues remain which have affected the assessment of the file.

Welljen Limited, a company owned by sports legend Usain Bolt is among more than 200 affected clients, law enforcement has reported.

- Livern Barrett