The National Bureau of Investigation announced yesterday that agents nabbed a Chinese national in Pasay City following a stakeout. The suspect's modus operandi was simple: he claimed to have strong connections inside the Bureau of Immigration, collected passports from several foreigners, and then demanded 150,000 pesos per passport for their return.
During the entrapment operation, local law enforcement recovered 22 passports on the spot, belonging not only to Chinese nationals but also to victims from Vietnam and other countries. NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the suspect will be turned over to the courts to face charges of robbery-extortion, swindling, grave coercion, and obstruction of justice.
Shady visa fixers are a common fixture on the streets, and the bureau has issued a strong warning to foreigners making a living abroad: never trust fixers who promise guaranteed approvals or special connections. Handle visa matters strictly through official channels, or you risk running into scammers who will fleece you and hold your documents hostage, leaving you with no recourse.
