Police charge man who allegedly duped over 200 in multimillion dollar overseas jobs scam

The police have finally arrested a man accused of masterminding a multimillion-dollar overseas employment scam that allegedly duped more than 200 job seekers.

The accused is 52 year old Horace Haughton, otherwise called "Dr Perez" or "Dr Maddison", of no fixed address. Haughton, who had been listed on the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Wanted Wednesdays campaign, was captured in St Andrew on Tuesday with the help of JamaicaEye CCTV technology.

The case is being handled by detectives from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C TOC) working alongside the Half-Way-Tree police.

Haughton has been slapped with multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, engaging in transactions involving criminal property, two counts of receiving stolen property, obtaining money by means of false pretence, operating an employment agency without a licence, and unlawfully making available a device or data for the commission of an offence.

According to the police, between August and October 2025, Haughton and an associate, Sharlene Edwards, allegedly operated an unregistered business and collected more than $7 million from over 200 applicants, promising overseas jobs that never materialised. A report was later made after victims realised the offers were fraudulent.

Edwards was arrested in November 2025 and remains in custody. She is scheduled to return to court on January 22.

C-TOC said JamaicaEye played a critical role in tracking Haughton, which led to the interception of his vehicle in the Half-Way-Tree area.

Superintendent Victor Barrett of C-TOC described the arrest as a strong start to the year for the Fraud Squad. He warned that fraudsters will find no refuge as lawmen intensify the use of technology and partnerships to track down those who prey on the hopes of hardworking Jamaicans. He added that the police will not only seek criminal convictions but will also aggressively pursue the forfeiture of assets gained through illegal means.

The Constabulary Financial Unit is supporting the investigation as police move to pursue asset forfeiture proceedings against both accused.

Members of the public are being urged to report fraud by contacting C TOC at 876 967 1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.

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