KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police have arrested and charged a 52-year-old man who was wanted in connection with an overseas employment scam that allegedly defrauded more than 200 people of approximately $7 million.

The accused, Horace Haughton, who the police said is also known as “Dr Perez” or “Dr Maddison” of no fixed address, was apprehended in St Andrew on Tuesday, January 6. He had been featured several times on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign.

The arrest was carried out by detectives from the Fraud Squad within the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), in collaboration with personnel from the Half Way Tree Police Station. Jamaica Eye surveillance footage reportedly played a key role in tracking and intercepting Haughton’s vehicle in the Half-Way-Tree area.

Haughton has been charged with multiple offences, including conspiracy to defraud, engaging in transactions involving criminal property, 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, and two counts of receiving stolen property.

Investigations have so far revealed that between August and October 2025, Haughton and an associate, Sharlene Edwards, allegedly operated an unregistered business that recruited more than 200 applicants. The pair reportedly collected over $7 million in fees from individuals seeking overseas employment. A report was made to the police after the promised jobs failed to materialise.

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 C-TOC said the arrest marks 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,” said Superintendent Barrett. “We are intensifying our use of technology and collaboration with our 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,” he added.

The Constabulary Financial Unit of C-TOC is supporting the investigation to treat with the forfeiture of the assets of both accused.

Meanwhile, the public is urged to report incidents of fraud by calling C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.