Woman dupes jobseekers of P3.5 M

Northern-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) agents have arrested an alleged big-time illegal recruiter accused of defrauding at least 24 jobseekers of P3.5 million.

Superintendent Salvador Caro, Northern-CIDG chief, identified and suspect as Leony Dioso, 50, a resident of Barangay Longos in Malabon City. Dioso is facing charges of syndicated estafa and large-scale illegal recruitment before the office of Malabon City assistant prosecutor Ojer Pacis. No bail was recommended for her temporary liberty, Caro said.

The Northern-CIDG presented Dioso to the media yesterday.

“At least 24 alleged victims have already filed their formal complaint against the suspect and more are coming,” Caro told The STAR.

Last Friday, Lorna Hamja, Maggie Pasyon, Laarni Andres, and Babylyn Pascual sought the help of the Northern-CIDG, claiming that they were victims of an illegal recruiter who duped them of P1.1 million.

A seven-man team, led by Inspector Rodel Castalone conducted an entrapment operation at the suspect’s office, which resulted in Dioso’s arrest.

Caro said Dioso defrauded around P2.4 million from 20 other complainants. He said some of Dioso’s alleged victims are nurses, teachers and real estate brokers from as far as Davao, Naga, Bicol, Cavite, Batangas, and Bulacan.

Dioso, when asked about the charges, said she did not recruit the complainants but “they were the ones who approached me for help in finding work abroad.”

“I have already sent several foreign job seekers to Dubai, Canada, Saudi Arabia, London and even Switzerland. These complainants just can’t wait, the processing of their papers takes sometime,” Dioso said.

Caro said records at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) show that Dioso is not authorized to recruit workers for jobs abroad and the company she represents, GLD Trade Link Resources, is a construction supply firm and not a recruitment agency.       – Pete Laude