Increased Focus on Addressing Corruption – Minister Bunting

National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, says there is increased intensity and focus on addressing corruption and organised crime.

“If you look at what has happened over the last couple of years… there has been no period when so many public officials, professionals, (including lawyers, engineers, businessmen, persons in the tax department, policemen, politicians) have been charged by either MOCA or the ACB…and we are just getting started,” he stated.

The Minister was responding to questions regarding the success of anti-crime and anti-corruption units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), at a press conference on August 4, where he announced the merger of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption (MOCA), Task Force and the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the JCF.  The press conference was held at the Police Officers’ Club in St. Andrew.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bunting said that feedback from United States law enforcement is that the partnership with Jamaica under the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) (Special Provisions) Bill, has seen unprecedented levels of cooperation.

More than 600 persons have been charged under the lottery scam law, since it was enacted 15 months ago.

Minister Bunting noted that over 20 cases related to lottery scamming have gone through the courts, all resulting in convictions.