Charges have been laid against a man believed to be one of the masterminds behind the multimillion-dollar lottery scam.

The accused, Shawn Lawrence, 29, of Bogue Village in Montego Bay, St James, has been charged with several counts of money laundering.

Information reaching THE STAR is that Lawrence, who is known as an auto-parts dealer in the Montego Bay area, was arrested at his multimillion-dollar home during an early-morning raid last week.

It is understood that the raid formed part of a month-long joint investigation by United States authorities and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Several items, including a commercial property valued at $70 million dollars, a residential property valued at $110 million dollars and four motorcars were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act in the operation.

Also, several computers, call lists, and other equipment believed to be used in the lottery scam, were seized.

Meanwhile, four persons have been charged for possession of hash oil. They are Colleen Dennis, Sylvester Craig, Sashana Reid and Shanique Peart.

THE STAR understands that detectives are now following strong leads as the investigation intensifies