Pasig, Philippines – Two suspects are now behind bars after authorities caught them collecting placement fees for nonexistent jobs in Armenia, complete with counterfeit plane tickets that nearly sent unsuspecting Filipinos chasing a dream that never existed.
According to a statement from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), agents from its Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU) made the arrest on June 24, 2026, around 6:50 PM inside a fast-food branch along Concepcion Avenue, Barangay San Joaquin, Pasig City. The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Andeng” and “Angel,” are both of legal age and residents of Taguig City. They face charges for violating Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by RA 10022, along with estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
How the Scheme Worked
The operation hinged on a classic bait. Investigators say the pair approached their victims in April 2026, dangling restaurant jobs abroad with attractive pay.
The offer included:
- A daily salary of 14 Euros
- A food allowance of 200 Euros
- A promise of deployment to Armenia within two months
Drawn by the chance for a better life, the complainants pooled their money and handed over a total of PhP 183,930 to cover supposed plane tickets and processing fees. Tickets were eventually issued, giving the victims a false sense that everything was moving forward.
The Red Flag That Exposed Them
The trouble started when the suspects came back asking for more. They allegedly demanded an additional PhP 31,740 from each complainant, claiming it would speed up their employment. That second round of fees raised suspicions, and the victims turned to the CIDG-ATCU for help.
What followed unraveled the whole operation. A check with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that neither suspect held a license or authority to recruit or deploy overseas workers. On top of that, investigators found the plane tickets issued to the victims were fake.
A Reminder for Aspiring OFWs
CIDG leadership praised the ATCU team for moving quickly and sparing more kababayans from losing their hard-earned savings. The group reaffirmed its commitment to backing the DMW in shutting down illegal recruitment and online job scams.
If you or someone you know is weighing a job offer abroad, take a moment to confirm it first. Verify every job posting and recruitment agency license directly through the official DMW website before paying a single peso. A quick check can save you from a costly trap.