Three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have come forward accusing a compatriot, identified only as Ali, of defrauding them by falsely claiming ties with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Philippine Embassy, according to a report by Saksi Ngayon.
Ronel, one of the complainants, said he trusted Ali after being introduced as a businessman with supposed links to embassy officials. Ali allegedly asked for his iqama (residency ID) to rent a house but failed to pay the rent amounting to SR 11,000, eventually fleeing and leaving him in debt.
Another victim, Dan, recounted how Ali borrowed SR 10,000 with the promise of repayment within two months. More than a year has passed, yet the money has not been returned. Dan also claimed that Ali threatened him with false accusations of “pimping” to intimidate him.
John, meanwhile, said he paid SR 2,000 after Ali assured him that he would handle his legal case using his supposed influence with the MWO. However, nothing materialized from the payment.
The victims said Ali boasted about his “connections” with government officials to gain their trust and to silence them through fear. They are now appealing to MWO Al Khobar to conduct a swift investigation into the complaints and to clear the agency’s name from such misuse.
Authorities remind OFWs to remain cautious and avoid entrusting money or personal documents to individuals claiming to represent the government without proper verification.
