New Zealand Immigration Fraud Investigation Leads to Philippines Arrest

Summary

Immigration New Zealand says its investigation into a New Zealand fraud conviction helped Philippine authorities arrest the same individual over alleged illegal recruitment. The suspect was previously convicted of providing false or misleading information to INZ and deported from New Zealand. The case highlights expanding cross-border cooperation against migrant exploitation and immigration fraud.

Our Analysis

• We see this as a significant warning that immigration fraud investigations can trigger consequences across jurisdictions.
• Advisers should strengthen client verification and retain detailed records of recruitment claims, payments and communications.
• Our team expects closer scrutiny of offshore agents linked to New Zealand visa applications.
• Cross-border information sharing may become an important enforcement trend for migrant-protection work.

Full Story

Immigration New Zealand has announced a landmark cross-border enforcement case after information gathered during a New Zealand immigration fraud investigation contributed to the arrest of a former New Zealand-based operator in the Philippines.

Julie Pearl De Los Santos, also known as Julie Pearl Robejes, was convicted in the Manukau District Court in July 2025 on five charges of providing false or misleading information to Immigration New Zealand. She received seven months’ home detention, was ordered to pay NZ$25,000 in reparations to five victims and was deported from New Zealand in November 2025.

During the investigation, New Zealand officials identified information suggesting that Robejes may also have committed offences in the Philippines. The material was shared with the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand, leading to direct cooperation between investigators and Philippine authorities.

Representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers travelled to New Zealand to meet investigators and complainants, collect evidence and progress their own inquiries. Philippine authorities confirmed that Robejes was arrested on 18 August 2026 over allegations of syndicated illegal recruitment under Philippine law. She remains in custody while the case proceeds through the Philippine courts.

Immigration New Zealand National Manager Immigration Investigations Jason Perry said the case demonstrated that immigration fraud can create harm beyond New Zealand’s borders. He described the operation as, to the agencies’ knowledge, the first investigation of its kind between Immigration New Zealand and the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers.

For immigration advisers, employers and migrant communities, the case reinforces the importance of verifying recruitment claims, documenting payments and reporting suspected misconduct promptly. It also signals that New Zealand authorities may share intelligence internationally when investigations reveal potential exploitation or fraud affecting migrants overseas.