Photo credit; Yahoo News
An Immigration New Zealand (INZ) investigation into immigration offending in New Zealand has led to the same individual being arrested in the Philippines on alleged syndicated illegal recruitment offences under Philippine law.
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 INZ. She was sentenced to seven months’ home detention and ordered to pay $25,000 in reparations to five victims before being deported from New Zealand in November 2025.
During the investigation, investigators discovered information suggesting Robejes may also have committed offences in the Philippines. This was shared with relevant Philippine authorities, and what followed was an unprecedented level of cooperation between INZ, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand to meet directly with investigators and complainants, gather evidence and progress their own enquiries.
On 18 August 2026, Philippine authorities confirmed Robejes had been arrested on allegations of syndicated illegal recruitment. She remains in custody while the matter proceeds through the Philippine courts.
National Manager, Immigration Investigations, Jason Perry, said the case highlights how investigators looked beyond the immediate offending in New Zealand to consider the wider harm that may have been occurring overseas.
Mr Perry said people who profit from misleading visa applicants should expect to be investigated and held accountable.
Source: Scoop Regional
