3 Iranian students file raps vs suspected con artist

MANILA, Philippines - Three Iranian students filed estafa and robbery charges against a Filipina consultant who allegedly conned each of them into paying $350 and P5,000 to have their academic units earned in Iran accredited with the Manila Central University (MCU).

The victims – Aisan Bigdeloo, 19; Fatameh Mahya Sanaatgar Awal, 22; and Sharareh Mobaraki, 23, dentistry students of MCU in Caloocan City – said they met Ellen Joy Balbin, 32, at the Manila Executive Regency in Ermita, Manila where they rented a unit since the suspect operates the Errand Professional, Inc. in the same building.

The victims said they were having problems with their dentistry course since the 22 academic units they earned at an Iran school are not accredited by the MCU and they are obliged to instead take up a pre-dentistry course.

It was then that Balbin reportedly offered her services, claiming she has connections with MCU officials. She said if the students can give her $350 each she can make the proper arrangements with the MCU officials and they do not have to take the pre-dentistry course.

The victims said they gave her money but later learned Balbin was not connected with the university and that she had also reportedly victimized 20 other foreign students.

Mobaraki also reported to police that Balbin borrowed her digital camera worth $700 and failed to return it. Mobaraki filed a robbery case against Balbin.

Manila policemen learned that Balbin was arrested by Caloocan policemen in an entrapment operation at a fastfood joint in EDSA on May 21 but posted bail.