A 28-year-old man who has been accused of earning an estimated $ 1 billion from the lottery scam was remanded in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

He is Sean Lawrence, businessman, from a Montego Bay, St James address.

Lawrence has denied having such wealth, and the court was informed that he is a legitimate businessman.

He is to return to court on November 7, when his attorney Tom Tavares-Finson is to make a bail application on his behalf.

It is reported that the accused owns a mansion in St James and drives a 2012 Mercedes Benz, which the police considers suspicious.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey has requested evidence form the defence to prove that the accused has acquired his wealth, if any, by lawful means.

Allegations are that between 2005 and 2011, the accused led a gang or a group of persons to defraud a number of United States (US) citizens.

It is alleged that the accused made several calls to the US, informing these persons that they were randomly selected for a lottery prize.

These persons were also reportedly told that in order for them to claim their prizes, they would have to send money to the accused.

It is reported that the accused then used the monies he collected to acquire several properties which he then disguised by registering them in other persons names.