Wanted man charged in multimillion-dollar overseas employment scam - police

The police have charged a man who was wanted in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar overseas employment scam that reportedly recruited more than 200 applicants.

He is 52-year-old Horace Haughton, otherwise called 'Dr Perez or 'Dr Maddison, of no fixed address, a police statement said on Thursday.

Haughton, who was previously featured on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign, was apprehended in St Andrew on Tuesday with the assistance of JamaicaEye CCTV technology, the police say.

The case is being led by detectives from the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) and the Half-Way-Tree police in St Andrew.

Haughton has been charged with:

- Conspiracy to defraud

- Engaging in transactions involving criminal property

- Receiving stolen property (two counts)

- Obtaining money by means of false

pretence

- Operating an employment agency without a

licence

- Unlawfully making available device or data for the commission of an

offence

Police say that between August and October 2025, Haughton and an associate, Sharlene Edwards, operated an unregistered business and allegedly recruited more than 200 applicants, collecting over $7 million under the promise of overseas jobs that never materialised.

A report was made after victims realised the employment offers were fraudulent.

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

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

Superintendent Victor Barrett of C-TOC 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,” he said. “We are intensifying our use of technology and collaboration with stakeholders to track down those who commit fraud. We will not only seek criminal convictions but will aggressively pursue the forfeiture of assets gained through illicit means.”

C-TOC’s Constabulary Financial Unit is supporting the investigation to pursue asset forfeiture proceedings against both accused.

Members of the public are urged to report fraud by calling 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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