DAVAO CITY — Authorities arrested a 54-year-old Korean national during an entrapment operation in Davao City after he was allegedly caught engaging in illegal recruitment activities involving fraudulent overseas job offers for South Korea.
The operation was conducted at around 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, at Matina Enclaves along Quimpo Boulevard, McArthur Highway, by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao City Field Unit in coordination with representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
According to authorities, the suspect, identified only by his alias “Hyun,” was apprehended while allegedly accepting placement fees from a victim in exchange for promised employment in Seoul, South Korea. Investigators said the suspect had no legal authority or license from the DMW to recruit Filipino workers for overseas employment, making the activity illegal under Philippine law.
Authorities revealed that the suspect had been offering jobs for factory workers in South Korea, allegedly requiring applicants to pay a processing fee of ₱28,000. In return, workers were supposedly promised a monthly salary of KRW 2.2 million, or roughly ₱92,000, along with free accommodation and meals.
Initial investigations showed that at least 40 individuals may have fallen victim to the scheme, including 19 residents from Davao City.
Law enforcement authorities emphasized that the government continues to intensify its campaign against illegal recruitment, online scams, and fraudulent overseas job schemes to protect Filipino workers from exploitation and economic abuse.
Officials stressed that Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, was enacted to ensure higher standards of protection and welfare for migrant workers, overseas Filipinos, and their families.
The joint operation between CIDG and DMW was described as part of the government’s broader effort to dismantle illegal recruitment networks operating both on the ground and online. Authorities said the arrest serves as a warning to individuals and groups preying on Filipinos seeking employment abroad.
The CIDG also commended the operating teams involved in the successful operation, noting that the arrest prevented more unsuspecting applicants from losing their hard-earned money to fraudulent recruitment schemes.
Authorities assured the public that operations against illegal recruitment and economic sabotage will continue, regardless of whether the suspects involved are local or foreign nationals.