The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Task Force, is preparing to tackle a new wave of crime in Montego Bay as the crackdown continues on the illicit lottery scam.

Addressing an expo put on by the CARIMAC public relations class of 2013, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Carl Williams, said the police have made major dents in lottery scam.

He said among the successes are 368 arrests and the seizures of 123 vehicles as well as $30 million.

ACP Williams, who heads the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Task Force said given the sustained police pressure, scammers have been turning to other illicit activities like cyber crimes.

According to him, identity theft and credit card fraud are now rampant in St James.

ACP Williams said the police are concerned that scammers could be seeking to increase gun crimes against innocent law-abiding citizens.

Almost half the 932 murders in St. James since 2008 have been connected to the lottery scam.

ACP Williams said it is against that background that his Task Force has stepped up its intelligence, investigative and operational efforts.

He is encouraging stakeholders to join the fight against the scammers.

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