Investigators conducted searches at St. Catherine Municipal Corporation on Thursday.
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Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA and reporter Kirk Wright
By Kimone Witter
The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has confirmed that Thursday morning's joint operation across three parishes is related to an ongoing investigation into allegations of serious organised crime at the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation.
MOCA, alongside personnel from the Financial Investigations Division and supported by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, is conducting a series of targeted raids in Kingston, St. Catherine and Westmoreland.
The St. Catherine Municipal Corporation in Spanish Town is among the locations being searched.
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News outside the building, Director of Communications at MOCA, Major Basil Jarrett, said employees and associates of employees of the local government authority are being investigated.
"We started operations early this morning targeting about 17 locations. These locations are the homes of employees and associates of employees at the Municipal Corporation. The entire operation is in conjunction to an ongoing investigation, an investigation that has been alive for some time now. This morning we are here to execute several search warrants in furtherance of that investigation. Given the ongoing nature of the operation, there really isn't much more that I can add at this point except to say that the public will be apprised in due course," he shared.
Asked whether MOCA was probing allegations of corruption in the matter, Major Jarrett said the investigation is ongoing.
"We are not sure where the investigation will lead and where it will take us. What we can say though is that the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency will conduct itself with the necessary transparency, accountability, impartiality and professionalism that we are known for," he added.
No arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.
In the meantime, an abbreviated version of the monthly meeting of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation was held on Thursday morning as security forces continued their raid at the local authority.
The meeting was chaired by Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott.
As the meeting took place, another area was abuzz with activity from law enforcement teams who combed the building.
MOCA is reportedly investigating allegations financial misconduct to the tune of more than a billion dollars.
Radio Jamaica News understands that cash, fraudulent cheques and other illegal items were seized at one location in St. Catherine.
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