BI arrests German for alleged human trafficking

(Eagle News) — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested a German national who allegedly attempted to take with him to Germany four Filipinas who were “made to lie about the circumstances of their travel.”

In a statement, the BI said one Herbert Joseph Vogt, 72, was nabbed on Monday, Aug. 21, as he and the four attempted to board a flight to Doha, Qatar at the Clark International Airport.

Immigration officer in charge Deputy Commissioner Marc Red Mariñas said the suspicions of an immigration officer were aroused after the women denied they knew each other, but later admitted they had been hired as caregivers in Germany.

According to the BI, some individuals who purport to be recruiters “hire” caregivers for deployment in Germany, but do not provide them with the proper work permits.

Vogt, who is allegedly the four women’s German language professor at a “popular university” in Manila, is facing charges for illegal recruitment and human trafficking charges, according to the BI.

Those who wish to work abroad “must only trust accredited recruitment agencies, and must ensure that they have the proper documentation from the (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration),” immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said.