Philippines – Two women are now in police custody after authorities caught them running a fake overseas recruitment scheme in the heart of Makati City. The pair allegedly duped 18 job seekers into paying over P1.1 million for jobs in Dubai that never existed.
According to a joint statement from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the arrests took place on July 24, 2026, along General Luna Street. Officers from the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU), working alongside DMW representatives, caught the suspects mid-transaction — accepting documents and collecting fees from hopeful applicants.
How the Scheme Worked
The two suspects, both of legal age, promised applicants well-paying jobs aboard yachts and in private homes across Dubai. The offers sounded convincing, complete with specific salaries and positions:
- Yacht cleaners, yacht stewards, and housekeepers
- Monthly pay of P45,000 to P75,000
- Processing fees ranging from P19,000 to P100,000 per applicant
In total, the 18 victims handed over P1,150,000 in fees, trusting the suspects with money they had worked hard to save. Many saw the offer as their ticket to a better life abroad.
The Truth Behind the Offers
Investigators checked with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai to confirm the job listings. The verification told a different story. No job orders existed for any of the advertised positions, and neither suspect held a license or authority from the DMW to recruit workers for overseas jobs.
That makes their recruitment illegal on two fronts. Both women now face charges under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, in connection with Estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code. Authorities also seized 31 sets of applicant documents during the operation.
Officials Speak Out
CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II stressed that the government stays committed to protecting Filipino workers both at home and abroad. He credited PCOL Felix G. Gervacio Jr., Chief of the ATCU, for the swift arrests that stopped the scheme before more people lost their money.
Protect Yourself First
If you are planning to work overseas, one simple step can save you from fraud. Always verify job offers and agency licenses directly through the DMW Official Website before paying a single peso. Skip unverified sites and social media listings that promise fast placements — they often hide scams like this one.