Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz
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Daryl Vaz
By Prince Moore
Radio Jamaica News has been informed that another suspect has been taken into custody in relation to the fraud case in which individuals used the name of government minister Daryl Vaz to defraud people in a multi-million dollar vehicle auction scam.
The suspect was arrested Wednesday during an operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC).
The racket began in 2021 when the men used Mr. Vaz's name and image to trick people into making payments for vehicles they said were being auctioned at Kingston Wharves.
But despite two arrests being made in the case, Mr. Vaz told Radio Jamaica News he is worried the mastermind is still at large since he has received complaints from other people saying they were contacted by someone in the scam.
"This is a very serious matter, which is going to require the attention of all of the authorities to get to the mastermind," he said.
Mr. Vaz said he is prepared to assist the police in capturing those involved in the scam.
"They have fleased millions of dollars over the last two years using my good name and this must stop. I am prepared to do anything and to call on all the authorities, local and international, to have this matter brought to a closure. This is an absolute disgrace where people are losing millions of dollars as a result of my good name," he lamented.
Thirty-five-year-old merchandiser, Shawn Latham, of Knightsdale Drive, Kingston 19, was charged in 2021 with obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
Mr. Latham reportedly told the individuals he was Mr. Vaz and was connected to the auctions.
The individuals reportedly paid Mr. Latham more than $4 million for two vehicles.
After the money was paid, the complainants became suspicious and reported the matter to the police.
A sting operation was carried out on June 14 and Mr. Latham was arrested.
He was being investigated by the Fraud Squad in connection with other cases.
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