By Ziyah News Reporter
In a significant development, UK police have forfeited over US$300,000 from Phillimon Makekera, a Zimbabwean businessman and Managing Director of The Partnership Healthcare Group Ltd, a company that recruits medical staff for hospitals and care homes across the United Kingdom.
The forfeiture comes in the wake of serious allegations that Makekera duped several individuals, including a group of Nigerians, out of thousands of British pounds.
Reports indicate that he also misled numerous Zimbabweans residing in the UK while they sought Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) crucial for their employment in the healthcare sector.
According to Northamptonshire Police, funds amounting to £226,832.15 (approximately US$302,311.68) were seized from Makekera’s personal and business bank accounts under the civil Proceeds of Crime Act.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the police confirmed that the Financial Investigation Unit successfully secured a forfeiture order during a contested hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on June 13, 2024.
“The funds within the account were found to have come from crime or would be used in crime,” the police stated. They further noted that, as part of the Home Office’s “Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme,” Northamptonshire Police will retain 50% of the forfeited funds.
As the investigation continues, the case has raised questions about the practices within the medical recruitment industry in the UK, particularly concerning the treatment of foreign workers seeking opportunities in the healthcare field.
The community of Zimbabweans in the UK remains on alert as more revelations come to light regarding Makekera’s business dealings.