The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has charged two of the three persons arrested in this morning’s targeted operations in Montego Bay and Portmore.

The charges are in relation to a $17 million fraud investigation at the HEART NSTA /Trust.

Charged are former HEART/NSTA Trust employees Simoes Ellis of Gregory Park Portmore, St. Catherine and Kevina Atkins of Salt Spring, St James.

Ellis is charged with larceny as a servant, possession of criminal property and conspiracy, whilst Atkins is charged with receiving stolen property, possession of criminal property and conspiracy to defraud.

Both are to appear before the St James parish court on Wednesday, December 4.

Meantime, Minister of Education and Skills, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has expressed hope that the results of the investigations will send a strong message to persons who engage in corruption, that they will be dealt with.

In a statement this morning, the HEART NSTA said the investigation into the matter was initiated by the Trust based on an anomaly detected as a result of its robust internal system of governance and was referred to MOCA during 2018-2019 fiscal year.

It said the leadership of HEART/NSTA is aware of the ongoing investigation and remains cooperative with MOCA and committed to acting responsibly to ensure the investigation is not compromised.

Dr. Morris Dixon said the raids show that there is good governance.