Two Jamaican nationals have been charged in connection with an international lottery scam that allegedly defrauded more than 200 elderly Americans of over US$9 million, with U.S. investigators accusing the pair of using used-car dealerships in Jamaica to help launder proceeds from the fraud.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Jordan Trought, who has already pleaded guilty, and a second Jamaican co-defendant allegedly instructed victims to deposit money into bank accounts linked to their separate used-car businesses. Prosecutors say the funds were disguised as payments for vehicle purchases before being transferred through the dealerships.
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Authorities said the fraud operated as a sweepstakes scam, in which elderly victims received unsolicited phone calls or messages falsely informing them they had won large cash prizes and luxury vehicles. They were then persuaded to send money to cover supposed taxes, insurance or processing fees before collecting their winnings. Victims were repeatedly asked for additional payments, resulting in losses totaling more than US$9 million.
One victim was allegedly instructed to deposit more than US$114,000 into an account linked to the co-defendant, while another transferred approximately US$450,000 after receiving fraudulent invoices for vehicles supposedly being sold through an automotive auction. Prosecutors said the transactions were designed to make the payments appear legitimate.
Investigators believe the case highlights a growing trend of lottery scammers using the expanding used-car industry in Jamaica to conceal illicit proceeds. Law enforcement officials and industry representatives say the sector’s limited regulatory oversight has made it vulnerable to money laundering and are calling for stronger monitoring and tighter controls.
Jordan Trought, 30, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and bank fraud. He admitted to serving as a senior member of the fraud ring and agreed to pay more than US$6.1 million in restitution and forfeiture. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison when sentenced later this year.
Authorities have not disclosed the current status of the charges against the second Jamaican defendant. U.S. prosecutors said investigations into the wider fraud network remain ongoing as officials continue efforts to dismantle international lottery scam operations targeting vulnerable senior citizens.
