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By Clinton McGregor
Two Nigerian nationals linked to a multi-million dollar cyber attack on the National Water Commission, have been captured by the Nigerian authorities following collaboration between Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency and US Federal Law Enforcement agents.
This was disclosed by MOCA on Tuesday.
MOCA said the two suspects were apprehended in Lagos, Nigeria, after they were involved in a sophisticated cybercrime operation impacting the National Water Commission.
The agency says the men, both residents of Lagos, Nigeria, were detained following swift international cooperation after they attempted to defraud the NWC of more than US$1 million.
Director of Communications at MOCA Major Basil Jarrett said the agency was first alerted by the NWC in August 2023 of a Business Email Compromise which had illegally routed the funds to the criminals.
In response, MOCA, in collaboration with its US Federal Law enforcement partners launched an intensive, international cyber investigation into the attack, resulting in the monies being frozen and the majority of it being returned.
Major Jarrett sais the outcome not only highlights the resilience and preparedness of Jamaica's cybersecurity defences, but also underscores the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats.
He said MOCA's investigations into the cyber attack had pointed to the involvement of an international cyber threat actor located in Nigeria, and through further international cooperation, a search warrant was executed in that country.
Major Jarrett commended the NWC for its swift detection and notification system which not only informed the commission of the attack, but also prompted them to get MOCA involved.
MOCA said its investigation continues with its international partners as more players may be involved in the sophisticated cyber fraud scheme.
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