MOCA charges four persons in connection with Sagicor fraud

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has charged four individuals arrested during targeted operations in Kingston and St Andrew related to an organized fraud scheme that defrauded Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited.

The accused are Michael Fenton from Trevennion Road, Kingston; Orlando Breakenridge from Rock Hall, St Andrew; Cebert Watt from Red Hills Road, Kingston; and Michael Douse from Studio One Boulevard. They face charges of Conspiracy to Defraud, Possession of Criminal Property, Receiving Stolen Property, and Engaging in a Transaction Involving Criminal Property. Additionally, Fenton has been charged with Possession and Dealing in marijuana.

On Monday last, MOCA agents, with support from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC) and other units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), conducted simultaneous operations at four locations in connection with an investigation into allegations of forgery and fraudulent payments involving Sagicor contractors and employees. This initiative followed an ongoing investigation by MOCA, aided by the Financial Investigation Division (FID).

According to Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, the fraud scheme allegedly occurred between 2016 and 2019. It came to light in April 2019 when Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) and related invoices, submitted by Michael Fenton—owner of M Fenton Construction Limited—were found to contain forged signatures of authorised signatories during processing.

The investigation uncovered a coordinated effort by Sagicor Group contractors and employees to defraud the company by submitting multiple IPCs and invoices for non-existent work at Sagicor-owned or managed properties, resulting in fraudulent payments. The four accused will appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, December 20.

Major Jarrett emphasised that these arrests and charges reflect the diligent efforts of MOCA's investigators and reaffirm the agency's commitment to combating fraud and financial crimes. He encourages the public to report any suspicious financial activities to MOCA’s tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.