PNP arrests Nigerian ‘love scam’ suspect

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) 4-A has arrested a Nigerian suspected of being involved in a love scam.

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras" on Thursday  the victim, an engineer, said that the suspect, Kelechik Opabi, introduced himself and courted her online using a fake Instagram account.

"May care po 'yung mga chat niya sa akin. Kinuha po niya 'yung loob ko, kinaibigan. Then, nagpakilala din po siya sa akin as civil engineer," said Francine (not her real name).

One day, the suspect told Francine he would send her an expensive watch, a bag, and jewelry. However, he said, to receive the package she must deposit $800 or P42,000 into an account.

After she deposited the money, an individual posing as a delivery courier called and told the victim that there was a problem.

"Hindi basta-bata ma-release 'yung parcel gawa ng may nakitang item doon sa package na hindi naman na-declare," Police Colonel Julius Suriben, PNP ACG-4A chief, said.

"It's money amounting to $30,000. Ang sabi din ng victim, hinihingan siya ng taga customs ng P150,000 para hindi na siya kasuhan. Ang sabi ng suspek, sige I will pay half. P75,000 daw ang manggagaling sa suspek at sabi naman ni victim, sige akin na rin 'yung P75,000 para makuha ko na," he added.

The victim, suspecting that her online boyfriend and the supposed courier were accomplices, reported the incident to the ACG.

The suspect has been charged with online estafa, identity theft, and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News