The NBI presents the alleged scammers in Pasay City. Photo from NBI
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday announced the arrest of two individuals for large-scale estafa. The suspects allegedly offered to facilitate the approval of a P20-million loan in exchange for a fee.
The arrests followed a complaint by Manila-based businessman Manjinder “James” Kumar, head of the Filipino-Indian Commerce and Welfare Society Inc. (FICWSI).
In his complaint, Kumar stated that the suspects were using his name to lure potential victims.
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The suspects, identified as Maverck Das Punjabi and Jazpher Macaraig Rayos, were presented at a press conference.
They were arrested in Pasay City and are currently facing charges for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (large-scale estafa), Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 (the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), and computer-related identity theft under Section 4(b) of Republic Act No. 10175.
Based on the complaint, Punjabi allegedly introduced himself as Kumar’s nephew and agent, offering to secure a P20-million loan in exchange for a facilitation fee.
As a result, he received a Hermes Birkin 35 Raisin Clemence bag with gold hardware, valued at P500,000, as a facilitation fee.
Despite paying this fee, the victim alleged that they were repeatedly asked for additional luxury bags and jewelry.
While waiting for her loan application, she learned that the two did not actually own a lending company. She also managed to contact Kumar, the FICWSI head.
After receiving another demand for an additional facilitation fee, the victim coordinated with the NBI-National Capital Region, which conducted an entrapment operation leading to Punjabi’s arrest.
A separate hot pursuit operation then led to the arrest of Rayos. Both suspects were presented before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings./mr