Police have arrested and charged a 52-year-old man in connection with an overseas employment scam that allegedly defrauded more than 200 Jamaicans of approximately seven million dollars.
The accused, Horace Haughton, also known as “Dr Perez” and “Dr Maddison,” was apprehended in St Andrew on Tuesday, January 6. He had been featured multiple times on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign. Police say Haughton has no fixed address.
- Advertisement -
Detectives from the Fraud Squad within the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch, working in collaboration with officers from the Half Way Tree Police Station, carried out the arrest. Investigators revealed that Jamaica Eye surveillance footage played a critical role in tracking Haughton’s movements and intercepting his vehicle in the Half Way Tree area.
Haughton has been charged with several offences, including conspiracy to defraud, engaging in transactions involving criminal property, obtaining money by false pretence, operating an employment agency without a license, unlawfully making available a device or data for the commission of an offence, and two counts of receiving stolen property.
Investigations indicate that between August and October 2025, Haughton and his alleged accomplice, Sharlene Edwards, operated an unregistered recruitment business that targeted individuals seeking overseas employment. Police say the pair collected fees from more than 200 applicants, amassing over seven million dollars.
The promised overseas jobs never materialized, prompting victims to report the matter to law enforcement.
Edwards was arrested in November 2025 and remains in custody. She is scheduled to return to court on January 22, 2026.
Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch said the arrest represents a strong start to the year for the Fraud Squad.
“It is a new year and we are sending a clear message that there will be no safe haven for those who prey on the aspirations of hardworking Jamaicans,” Barrett said. “We are intensifying our use of technology and strengthening collaboration with our partners to track down individuals who commit fraud. We will not only pursue criminal convictions but will also aggressively seek the forfeiture of assets obtained through illegal means.”
The Constabulary Financial Unit of C TOC is supporting the investigation and is working to identify and seize assets linked to both accused individuals.
Police are once again urging members of the public to exercise caution when seeking overseas employment opportunities and to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before making any payments.
Anyone with information about fraud related activities is encouraged to contact the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch at 876 967 1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.
