The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned citizens of the existence of a human trafficking syndicate based in Canada which is targeting Zimbabweans desperate for jobs in the services industry.
William Smith, George Harkins and Rooney Cardwell are reported to be working with local fraudsters who are luring Zimbabweans to apply for non-existent jobs in North America and other parts of the world.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Constance Chemwai said reports by some local media outlets claiming that Marriot International Hotels and Resorts in Canada were hiring were false. She said:
The ministry wishes to advise members of the public that Marriot International Hotels and Resorts have never been involved in the recruitment of medical staff.
The ministry further advises that some individuals suspected to be human traffickers are disguising themselves as owners of Marriot Hotels and Resorts and floating job advertisements under the name of Marriot Hotels.
Members of the public are warned that these criminal syndicates are demanding US$400 as documentation and visa processing fees.
Chemwai advised members of the public to check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the country’s embassies abroad, to verify the authenticity of any job offers.