Cops arrest Nigerian national, Pinay partner for alleged involvement in love scam

A Nigerian national and his Filipina partner were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for alleged swindling and estafa in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, according to Emil Sumangil's report on "Saksi."

Based on the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Unit and Quezon City Police District's investigation Nigerian national Demir Balik and his Filipina partner Jacel Ann Paderan are allegedly involved in a love scam.

A woman senior citizen allegedly met the foreigner through a dating application.

“Nagdownload siya nitong dating app, dito niya ngayon nakilala si suspect who is Nigerian but poses to be as Turkish national. Naging mag-virtual boyfriend and girlfriend sila,” said PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Spokesperson Police Inspector Michelle Cabino.

A few days later, the foreigner borrowed money from the woman. She sent money to a bank account under the Nigerian's partner.

The victim was allegedly robbed of more than 2 million pesos.

“Nagwo-work naman po siya sa embassy and then missionary po siya sa church nila. Hindi ko na din po alam sir, nagulat nalang din po ako na pumunta sila sa bahay. So hindi ko rin po alam yung ki-nase nila sa amin,” Paderan said.

(He works at the embassy and is a missionary in his church. I also did not know sir. I was surprised they went to the house. I do not know the case filed against us.)

Meanwhile, the police warned the public to be cautious when talking to strangers online.

“Be careful diyan sa mga online dating because di naman lahat ng na-memeet niyo online ay totoo. And red flags to look out or to watch out for is when itong virtual boyfriend starts asking for money,” Cabino advised.

(Be careful with online dating because not all that you meet are real. And red flags to look out or watch out for when this virtual boyfriend starts asking for money.) -- Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News