Cross-border cooperation leads to Philippines arrest following New Zealand Immigration fraud conviction

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 5 charges of providing false or misleading information to INZ. She was sentenced to 7 months' home detention and ordered to pay NZD $25,000 in reparations to 5 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. Representatives from the DMW travelled to 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.

"Immigration fraud doesn't stop at the border, and neither do we. Anyone who exploits migrants for personal gain should take note: you cannot assume that leaving New Zealand means leaving the consequences behind."

"This investigation could easily have ended with a successful prosecution and deportation in New Zealand, but it didn't."

"Cases don't often progress from a New Zealand immigration prosecution to criminal proceedings overseas. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of its kind between Immigration New Zealand and the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers."

"Our investigators looked beyond the immediate offending and asked whether there was more we could do to prevent harm. The evidence suggested there may be victims outside New Zealand, so the team worked with authorities in the Philippines to ensure the right information reached the right people."

Mr Perry said people who profit from misleading visa applicants should expect to be investigated and held accountable for their actions.

"People who mislead migrants often think they can simply move on and start again somewhere else. This case shows that's not always true."

"The victims in this case weren't just numbers on a file. They trusted someone who promised to help them build a better future, only to lose money, opportunities and, in many cases, their dreams of coming to New Zealand."

"The impact of this type of offending can be devastating. People can spend years saving for these opportunities and make major life decisions based on false promises."

"Taking action when we did helped reduce the risk of further harm and reduced the likelihood of more people being exposed to similar alleged offending. Just as importantly, it ensured information uncovered during our investigation could be provided to the authorities best placed to assess and act on it."

"This wasn't just about holding one person to account for offending in New Zealand. It was about reducing the risk of potential future harm and helping ensure serious allegations identified during our investigation could be examined by the authorities best placed to investigate them."

"What began as an immigration fraud investigation in New Zealand has become a landmark example of cross-border cooperation, enabling authorities to share information, investigate allegations, and support accountability where appropriate."

The outcome comes as New Zealand and the Philippines celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026 and elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

For further information email:

media@mbie.govt.nz