By Prince Moore
The police have recovered 180 passports belonging to persons who fell victim to a major overseas employment racket.
The passports, along with computers, were seized last week by the St Andrew North Police during a raid on premises connected to the alleged mastermind behind the racket, Horace Haughton, in Red Hills, St Andrew.
The victims were instructed to submit their passports as part of the application process.
Haughton was captured by the police last week Tuesday, after eluding the cops for several months.
The 52 year-old has since been charged with a range of offences: Conspiracy to Defraud, Engaging in Transactions Involving Criminal Property, Receiving Stolen Property, Obtaining Money by Means of False Pretence, Operating an Employment Agency Without a License, and Unlawfully Making Available Device or Data for the Commission of an Offence.
Investigators say that from August to October 2025, Haughton and an associate, Sharlene Edwards, operated an unregistered business, through which they allegedly recruited more than 200 applicants, collecting fees totaling more than J$7 million.
A report was made to the police when the promised employment failed.
Edwards was arrested in November, and remains in custody. She's scheduled to reappear in court on January 22.
In 2022, Haughton was accused of operating another illegal overseas employment scam while behind bars at Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre.
He has been charged on multiple occasions for fraud.
Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett, Deputy Commander of CTOC, says Haughton's arrest signals a strong start to the year for the police.
He noted that the use of technology and collaboration of stakeholders to track down fraudsters has been intensified.
Superintendent Barrett warned that the Jamaica Constabulary Force is not just seeking convictions but will aggressively pursue the forfeiture of assets obtained through criminal activities.
The Constabulary Financial Unit of C-TOC is supporting the investigation in efforts to forfeit assets linked to both accused.
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