Filipina worker arrested for illegal recruitment

Three victims paid HK$43,000, HK$20,000 and HK$15,000 respectively to the suspect to get a caregiver job in Canada but it never happened

By ASIA TIMES STAFF

A 40-year-old Filipina domestic worker was arrested at the Philippine Consulate General in Admiralty for allegedly offering non-existent jobs overseas to three colleagues.

On March 24, when the suspect appeared at the Philippines Consulate General, she was nabbed by the police for allegedly obtaining a total of HK$78,000 (US$9,936) by deception from three domestic workers, hongkongnews.com.hk reported.

However, the suspect was not affiliated with any agency that could legally send workers to Canada, France, or the United Kingdom.

It was understood that three victims paid HK$43,000, HK$20,000 and HK$15,000 respectively to the suspect to get a caregiver job in Canada. But it never happened, instead the suspect asked the victims to pay more money so they could transfer to London or Paris.

Consul Paulo Saret from the assistance to nationals section said the suspect was invited to a dialogue at the consulate but it turned out that one of the complainants had already filed a formal complaint with police and so the suspect was arrested, sunwebhk.com reported.

The suspect was allowed to post bail and told to return to the police station later for investigation.