Botswana authorities remanded a 29-year-old Zimbabwean man in custody on Tuesday after he appeared earlier than the Village Magistrates’ Courtroom in Gaborone accused of operating a world job-seekers rip-off.
He allegedly posed as an immigration marketing consultant and charged folks for pretend work and residence permits, with stories claiming that a number of South Africa–primarily based content material creators helped promote his providers.
Zimbabwean migration scammer arrested
Police arrested Evans Sivechere, a director of Diamond Migration (Pty) Ltd, on Sunday at Sir Seretse Khama Worldwide Airport following what Botswana authorities described as “intensive investigations.”
Sivechere is dealing with 11 counts of fraud.
In accordance with police, he and his firm allegedly defrauded 11 folks of greater than P240 000 between October final 12 months and October this 12 months.
Victims paid for pretend abroad migration guarantees
Prosecutors say Sivechere misled victims into believing it was processing abroad job placements and work permits for them.
The candidates reportedly submitted all required paperwork and paid varied charges, however later realised no jobs existed.
The rip-off reportedly supplied supposed employment in Eire, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Finland, Poland, and Greece
Authorities warning in opposition to pretend employment schemes
The Botswana Police Service has urged the general public to be cautious when coping with employment or recruitment businesses.
They suggested folks to confirm the businesses’ legitimacy earlier than making any funds.
Investigators say extra costs might be added because the probe continues.
Sivechere is due again in courtroom on 2 December.
Why victims are simply trapped to migration scams
Many individuals fall sufferer to migration scams as a result of they’re keen to search out higher job alternatives and enhance their lives overseas.
Scammers exploit this hope by presenting convincing paperwork, professional-looking web sites, or endorsements from influencers, making their schemes seem professional.
A ignorance about official migration processes, mixed with the concern of lacking out on alternatives, usually leads victims to belief these fraudsters with out correct verification.
Authorities stress the significance of warning, analysis, and confirming the legitimacy of businesses earlier than making any funds.
