Police investigating man found with scamming equipment

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has launched a full-scale investigation into an alleged scammer, believed to be from St Maarten. He was found guilty and sentenced to nine months in prison.

Jean Samer, 25, appeared before the Serious Offences Court last Friday, charged with having articles that were to be used in the course of theft, on May 16, at Argyle.

He had one black HP-15BA009DX laptop – serial number CND6506K24, one black magnetic credit card reader and 10 Sushitto discounted cards.

It is believed that Samer travelled from St Maarten to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) via Antigua, St Kitts and Barbados.

When Samer arrived at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) last Tuesday, immigration authorities realized that he was uneasy and questioned him. Officers from the Customs Department also conducted a search and found the items in his suitcase.

Investigations so far show that the cards belong to residents of St Martin, but it is unclear how Samer came to be in possession of the cards, which can be used to withdraw cash from Automatic Teller Machines (ATM).

Further, Samer told police that a friend named Tyrone gave him the cards, paid for his flight and they were supposed to make a transaction with Briana Peters, a Vincentian female.

He had expected to stay at the Sunset Shores Hotel while here.

Samer told police that Tyrone lives on the French side of the island, St Martin and he doesn’t know his surname. Tyrone and Briana Peters are believed to be fictitious names, as no records have been found of either person.

The police, however, are conducting further investigations. The RSVGPF Information Technology specialists are checking Samer’s cellular phone and the confiscated laptop.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that the constabulary believes that there may be software than can be used to create and copy cards.

The RSVGPF is currently communicating with officials in St Maarten through Interpol and the IT department is thoroughly scanning the items.

Corporal 643 Casanki Quow is investigating and other charges, under the Cybercrime Act, may be laid against the accused.

Samer’s arrest comes Two months after three St Lucian men were charged with having 121 Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

Jammy Jameson Harry, Aaron Kadoo and Mario Chitole pleaded not guilty to these charges at the Serious Offences Court in January.

Harry is charged with stealing a total of EC$15,500 between March 10 and 12, 2017, while Kaddo and Chitole face charges for illegal entry to the state.

All three men were denied bail and are expected to re-appear before the court on June 3, 2017. (AS)