Jamaican admits role in US$9m scam that targeted elderly Americans

A 30-year-old Jamaican who prosecutors say helped orchestrate a multimillion-dollar scam targeting elderly Americans has pleaded guilty in the United States, admitting his role in a fraud ring that fleeced victims of more than US$9 million over a decade.

Jordan Trought entered his guilty plea on June 1 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and bank fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

Trought, who was arrested in Jamaica in August 2025 and extradited to the United States, now faces up to 30 years in prison.

As part of his plea agreement, he has also agreed to pay US$6,166,227 in restitution and forfeiture.

Federal prosecutors say Trought was a high-ranking member of a Jamaica-based fraud network that preyed on elderly Americans between 2015 and 2025.

He allegedly joined the operation in 2021 before rising to become one of its leaders, and was held responsible for stealing more than US$6 million from over 100 victims during that period.

According to investigators, victims received unsolicited phone calls or text messages falsely informing them that they had won a massive cash prize and a luxury motor vehicle through a sweepstakes.

They were then instructed to pay taxes or processing fees before collecting their winnings.

After making the initial payments, victims were repeatedly told additional fees were required, prompting many to send even more money through checks, cash, wire transfers, Zelle and Venmo.

Prosecutors also allege that Trought and his co-conspirators gained access to some victims' bank accounts and transferred funds through those accounts before routing the money to associates in Jamaica, including an automobile business allegedly operated by Trought.

"Trought and his co-conspirators allegedly exploited trust, age, and hope for profit, including by taking control of victims' bank accounts and routing stolen money to Jamaica," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

He said the guilty plea underscores the Office's commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and bringing international fraudsters to justice.

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