New warning for recruiters

Recruitment fraudster uses new names

City of London Police is renewing its warning to employment agencies to be on their guard against a fraudster who is ripping off recruiters nationwide.

Officers believe the man is now operating with new pseudonyms: John MOZEN and Jane KHAN. He is also using company names similar to those of Far Eastern car/heavy industry companies. Agencies are asked to check the details of new clients and verify the company does indeed exist.

Letters were sent out earlier this year warning recruitment companies in the City after several firms reported falling victim to a fraud that is thought to have netted the criminal behind it in excess of £300,000.

The fraudster sets up a fake foreign company and then contacts an agency asking for a temporary worker with a very specific set of skills (mainly languages). Within days, the agency will be sent a CV seemingly offering them someone with just that rare skill set. The false CV secures its fictitious owner a job with the non-existent overseas company and the recruitment agency pays the wages of the temporary worker.

The crime only comes to light when invoices to recover the wages are sent to the false company and not reimbursed.
Recruitment agencies have already been asked to check their records for the following names:

•  Antonio Almeda, Antonio Almeida or Tony D’Almeda or similar spelling
• Bero Venturi or Berodo Venturi or similar spelling
• The company names ‘Myers and Myers’ and ‘hhi tekno’ have also been used.

DC Kevin Ives said: “We know that despite our earlier warning this fraudster is continuing to target UK recruitment companies. We are renewing our advice that the industry needs to ensure robust vetting procedures and ID checks are carried out on new clients”.

“We remain determined to catch this fraudster and want agencies who suspect they may have had any dealings with any of the above to report it to their local police station mentioning our enquiry.”

Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0870 555 111.