Authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind of a massive illegal recruitment scheme that victimized at least 1,700 aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The suspect was identified as Mazhoor Khusin y Ubongin or alias Maz, from ALJU International Manpower Services, Inc. 

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW),  he was apprehended in a joint operation by the Quezon City Police District and Project 4 Police Station in his residence in Mexico, Pampanga.

The suspect’s modus operandi reportedly involved recruiting aspiring OFWs and offering them factory jobs in Europe in exchange for placement fees ranging from P80,000 to P130,000.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also revealed several deceptive tactics, including:

First, the Few Slots Left Scheme where applicants were pressured into making immediate payments because of limited remaining slots.

Next is the False Permanent Residency Promise, which falsely assured victims that they could secure permanent residency in Europe for themselves and their families.

The Schengen Visa Misrepresentation is when the applicants were told they could freely travel across Europe using their visa.

Hence, the DMW urges the public to verify agencies before paying placement fees. Aspiring OFWs are advised to check whether the recruitment agency holds a valid license from the DMW.