Jeanett Moskito has been accused of scamming hundreds of Filipino migrant workers in Canada, leaving many without jobs, work permits, and even homeless. For over ten years, Moskito’s companies, Link4Staff and Berderald Consulting, have been offering jobs to foreign workers, often promising them legal employment and a path to permanent residency in Canada. However, CBC News’ investigation reveals that her promises were largely false, and many workers ended up in difficult situations.
Moskito, who is not a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer, has been caught multiple times by the Ontario Ministry of Labour for taking illegal payments from workers in exchange for job placements. This practice is illegal in Canada. Despite being fined and ordered to repay some of the money she took, Moskito’s businesses continue to operate. The Ministry has not pursued more severe penalties, and she has even posted job ads on the Government of Canada’s official job bank as recently as October.
Victims of Moskito’s scheme say she charged them between $2,000 and $9,000 for job placements, but after paying, they found that the jobs never materialized. Some workers never received their work permits, leaving them uncertain about the legality of their employment. One of the victims, John Gabriel Quizo, shared his heartbreaking story of how he paid Moskito for a job and work permit but ended up unemployed, homeless, and in debt. He had hoped to build a better life for his family in Canada, but instead, he is now living in a shelter and unable to support his son.
Despite warnings from Philippine consulates and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Moskito’s businesses continue to operate with little oversight. Lawyers and migrant worker advocates argue that Canada’s immigration system lacks proper regulation of recruiters, allowing individuals like Moskito to exploit vulnerable workers. They call for stricter penalties and more accountability to prevent further exploitation.
The case highlights the urgent need for reform in the recruitment industry and better protection for foreign workers who come to Canada seeking better opportunities. As many as “hundreds” of workers may have been affected by Moskito’s actions, according to advocacy groups like Migrante Ontario. The Philippine government is considering legal action against Moskito, but for now, her victims continue to suffer the consequences of her alleged scam.
Tips for Migrant Workers:
- Always verify the legitimacy of job offers and recruitment agencies.
- Avoid paying large sums of money upfront for job placements or work permits.
- Report any suspicious activities to local authorities or consulates.