NBI nabs investment scam suspect in Kawit, Cavite

National Bureau of Investigation–National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) operatives arrested an investment scam suspect in an entrapment operation in Kawit, Cavite, an official said Thursday.   

In a statement, NBI Director Eric Distor said the operation stemmed from a complaint that the suspect continues to solicit and receive money for investment in her non-existent business.

Based on the investigation, the suspect sent a personal message to the complainant offering a “rare opportunity.”  She then represented herself as the owner of a freight forwarding firm in Pasay City.

The suspect claimed that the company handles imports and exports as well as arranges freights for shippers and importers, and that she gives two percent interest for funds she receives.

In February 2019, the complainant met the suspect in Kawit, Cavite to discuss the business proposal of a monthly return of 2% on the amount of money that complainant will invest.

As of April 2022, about P16,282,631 was invested by the complainant and if unpaid interests for this year were to be included, the amount will total P17,837,418 as promised by the suspect.

“The Subject paid the return on investment in April 2020, however, payments of return became irregular even with continuous follow-up of the complainant,” NBI said.

“Complainant then informed Subject that her brother was inquiring about the business. Subject then solicited money from the complainant’s brother and continued to convince to invest money with the subject’s business,” it added.

An undercover agent posing as the brother’s complainant was able to set a meeting with the suspect and an entrapment operation was hatched.

The NBI operative agreed to meet in Kawit, Cavite on June 9 and made an arrest after handling over the marked money.

The suspect was presented for inquest proceedings before the Prosecutor’s Office of Imus, Cavite for syndicated Estafa under Art. 315 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to RA No. 10175 otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.—LDF, GMA News