Around 1,700 aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were spared from an alleged large-scale illegal recruitment scheme following the arrest of a man accused of offering fraudulent job opportunities in Central Europe.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) identified the suspect as Mazhoor Ubongin Khusin, also known as “Maz.” He was arrested on July 20, 2026, in Mexico, Pampanga, by operatives of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD)–Project 4 Police Station.
The arrest was carried out pursuant to a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 146, in connection with a case involving alleged illegal recruitment on a large scale.
According to the DMW, Khusin allegedly served as an officer of ALJU International Manpower Services, Inc., a recruitment agency that had previously been sanctioned over allegations involving misrepresentation of overseas employment opportunities, excessive placement fees, and failure to reimburse or refund affected applicants. The agency’s authority to recruit workers for overseas employment was eventually canceled.
Jobs in Europe Used to Lure Applicants
Authorities said the alleged scheme targeted Filipinos hoping to work in Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic.
Applicants were reportedly offered jobs as factory workers, farm workers, and hotel staff, with salaries reaching as high as ₱90,000 per month.
In exchange for the supposed overseas employment opportunities, applicants were allegedly asked to pay placement fees ranging from ₱80,000 to ₱130,000. The DMW said deceptive tactics were also allegedly used to pressure applicants into immediately handing over their money.
The case reportedly involved approximately 1,700 aspiring OFWs, highlighting the scale of the alleged recruitment operation.
DMW Vows to Pursue Illegal Recruiters
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the arrest was a significant development in the cases filed in connection with the alleged scheme.
“The arrest of this illegal recruiter marks a significant development in the cases filed in connection with the alleged recruitment scheme targeting our OFWs who simply want a better life for their families. Hindi natin titigilan ang mga illegal recruiters na ito at ang kanilang mga kasabwat na patuloy na nanloloko sa ating mga kababayan,” Cacdac said.
The DMW reiterated its warning to Filipinos seeking employment abroad to remain vigilant when dealing with recruiters, particularly those who demand large placement fees, promise unusually high salaries, or guarantee visas, permanent residency, or immediate deployment.
Aspiring OFWs are also encouraged to verify whether a recruitment agency and its job orders are legitimate before paying any fees or submitting important documents.
Suspected illegal recruitment activities may be reported to the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau through its official Facebook page, via email at [email protected], or through its hotline at +63 2 8721-0619 for assistance in filing cases.
The DMW continues to remind jobseekers that overseas employment offers that appear unusually attractive or require large upfront payments should be carefully verified before any transaction is made.
