Alleged lottery scammer with J'can ties arrested in Florida

A man with ties to Jamaica has been arrested in Florida following a months-long investigation into what is commonly known as a foreign lottery scam.

The Panama City News Herald says thirty-one-year-old Vivian Andrew Walters was arrested yesterday on charges of organised fraud after an investigation by the Lynn Haven Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Officials reportedly searched Walters’ home and found, a large quantity of US currency, multiple cell phones, computers, financial records and other documents.

During the scam, unsuspecting victims were reportedly told they had won a fictitious lottery or sweepstakes but would need to pay taxes or other fees.

They say Walters was born in and still has ties to Jamaica, which is a known hot spot for such fraudulent activity.

Walters is in jail awaiting his first court appearance.