Cops bust syndicate using fake papers for US visas

MANILA, Philippines—Members of a group that allegedly provided US visa applicants with fraudulent documents in exchange for huge sums were arrested after a sting operation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

CIDG operatives raided the office in Manila of the United Star Alliance Consultancy and Immigration Service (USA-CIS), arrested 20 workers and confiscated computers, equipment and documents at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, officials said.

Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said the raid was conducted by elements of the CIDG’s Anti-Transnational and Cyber Crime Division (ATCCD) at RoomNo. 803 on the 8th floor of the Pearl of the Orient Building at 1240 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita.

Arrested were Anna Liza Samson, general manager, and employees Reynaldo Villanueva, Cris Llewellyn Gacayan, Aldrin P. Guevarra Jr., Ronaldo B. Geronimo, Leilanie G. Rafael, Rose Ann Bautista, Florinda M. Jana, Maria Cristina G. Cruz, Maria Cristina L. Reyes, Melanie Domingo, Reina Angeline R. Geronimo, Rosalinda S. Kalinga, Niccalyn R. Robles, Maria Elena Gaddi, Juddie M. Osorio, Nannete F. Benedicto and Manuel Inocencio.

The CIDG agents also confiscated 22 computers and assorted documents allegedly used by the group for its illegal recruitment activities, and assorted passports of applicants for visa processing.

The ATCCD chief, Senior Supt. Gilbert Sosa, said the raid followed a complaint by the United States Embassy in Manila through its Overseas Criminal Investigation Office.

Embassy officials told investigators that the Manila-based immigration consultancy office had been providing US visa applicants with fake documents consisting of bank books, bank certifications, deeds of sale of real properties, tax documents and business registration certificates.

Investigation showed that USA-CIS was also recruiting Filipino visa applicants for care-giving jobs in nursing homes in the United States.

The group charged applicants from P50,000 to P100,000 as initial payment for “orientation, coaching and forged documents” and an additional P85,000 to P100,000 “success fee” once applicants got their visas.

It was also learned that USA-CIS had been engaged in visa fraud and illegal recruitment since 2006 using several company names, the CIDG said.

Under its present name, US Embassy officials said, they recorded more than 190 visa applicants who had been duped by the group.

In response to the request of the US Embassy, ATCCD operatives secured two search warrants against the USA-CIS and planned the Feb. 1 entrapment operation against one of the suspects, Inocencio, 47, a member of the company’s accounting staff.