NBI nabs suspect in bogus charity scam

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a 32-year-old suspect allegedly involved in a scam targeting businessmen and government officials through a fake charity foundation.

According to John Consulta's exclusive report on "24 Oras Weekend," agents of the NBI Special Action Unit, confronted the suspect during a buy-bust-style entrapment.

The suspect was cornered and taken into custody after being linked to a group allegedly collecting money from businessmen and local government officials under the guise of a charitable organization.

According to the NBI, the group allegedly used money mules or bank accounts under other people’s names to transfer and conceal funds obtained from their targets.

“They introduce themselves using different names, claiming to hold high-ranking positions in government or to be well-known businessmen… and through that, they are able to solicit money,” said NBI Director Melvin Matibag.

The suspect had an existing warrant for statutory rape, he added.

The suspect, however, denied the allegations.

“That’s not true. I’m also just a victim,” he said, claiming he was merely instructed by another person to retrieve the money.

The suspect also claimed he worked at the Senate.

The suspect has been subjected to inquest for violation of the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, while another alleged cohort has already been identified and charged.

Matibag reminded the public to be cautious of individuals or groups posing as NGOs or charity organizations soliciting funds, saying this is a common modus operandi among scammers.—MCG, GMA News