By Desmond Nleya
Authorities arrest alleged recruiter accused of offering bogus jobs in Poland, Lithuania and the Czech Republic
Around 1,700 aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been rescued following the discovery of an alleged large-scale illegal recruitment operation offering fake jobs in Central Europe.
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said authorities arrested Mazhoor Ubongin Khusin, also known as “Maz,” on July 20, 2026, in Mexico, Pampanga. He was arrested by operatives from the Quezon City Police District’s Project 4 Police Station based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 146.
Khusin is facing allegations of large-scale illegal recruitment.
Jobseekers promised work in Europe
According to the DMW, Khusin allegedly acted as an officer of ALJU International Manpower Services Inc., a recruitment agency that had previously faced regulatory sanctions over alleged misrepresentation of overseas job opportunities, excessive placement fees and failure to refund affected applicants.
The agency’s authority to recruit workers for overseas employment was later cancelled.
Investigators said applicants were allegedly offered jobs in Poland, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, including positions as factory workers, farmers and hotel employees.
The promised salaries reportedly reached as much as 90,000 Philippine pesos (about $1,500) per month.
Applicants were allegedly required to pay placement fees ranging from 80,000 to 130,000 pesos.
Authorities also said the alleged recruiters used pressure tactics to persuade applicants to make payments quickly.
Five alleged accomplices still wanted
While Khusin is now in police custody, authorities are continuing their search for five other suspects allegedly connected to the recruitment operation.
The DMW identified them as:
- Lalaine Salazar y Delos Reyes
- Dominique Esguerra, also known as Domingo Esguerra y Pillarina
- Shane Retuerma y Razal
- Mary Ann Geresola y Tabobo
- Daisy Santinitigan
DMW warns aspiring OFWs
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac described Khusin’s arrest as an important development in cases linked to the alleged recruitment operation.
He warned Filipinos seeking employment overseas to remain cautious when dealing with individuals or agencies offering foreign jobs, particularly when applicants are asked to pay large placement fees.
Jobseekers were also urged to be wary of offers promising guaranteed visas, permanent residency, unusually high salaries or immediate deployment.
Authorities continue to pursue illegal recruiters and their alleged accomplices as investigations into the case continue.
