A woman has been found guilty of visa fraud and illegally recruiting Filipinos in the United States.
Maria Estrella Jaidi, who resides in New York will be facing 10 years of imprisonment.
Jaidi allegedly provided illegal work visas to Overseas Filipino Workers and subjected them to illegal labor.
Her brother, Ramon Estrella was also guilty of the same offense but was still at large.
“Jaidi, 60, of Bronxville, New York, and Estrella, 55, of Manila, Philippines, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and make materially false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years, and one count of conspiracy to induce aliens to illegally come to, enter, and reside in the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years,” the New York District Attorney Statement told Rappler.
Jaidi’s crime includes fixing US visas for Filipinos to work in the Moroccan Consulate in New York as clerks or technicians but ended up working as drivers, helpers or assistants.
“The fraudulent employment contracts also overstated the Domestic Workers’ salaries, understated their hours, and falsely guaranteed benefits, including, among others, sick leave, dental insurance, and medical insurance,” the statement added.
Jaidi and her husband also asked the employees to work 7 days a week and surredering their passports.
