Six alleged members of a swindling syndicate were recently nabbed by cops from the Manila Police District (MPD) for reportedly taking P4.2 million from a businessman who was buying a luxury car that was posted online by the suspects.
After two successful manhunt operations in Manila and Navotas City on Tuesday afternoon, police arrested the suspect identified as Roberto De Guzman Sr., 64; his son Roberto Jr., 22; Ronaldo Sarita, 24; Melinda Chaves, 48; and two other minors aged 15. The suspects are all charged with Syndicated Estafa at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
In a report by the MPD Ermita Police Station 5, businessman Alberto Jocson Jr., 52, of Hillborough, Brgy. Cupang, Muntinlupa City stated that he was enticed to purchase a Jaguar F Type Coupe R luxury car that was posted for sale at philkotse.com on May 24.
According to the victim, he was contacted by the seller identified only as a certain Miguel Fernandez. During negotiations, Jocson was convinced into sending P400,000 as assurance deposit via money transfer to a receiver named Fernan Gona Solo last May 26.
The victim and the seller agreed to meet at a fastfood restaurant in TM Kalaw, Manila on June 23. Here, Jocson met with suspects Roberto Jr., Sarita at Fernan Gona Solo and was persuaded to give the P3.8 million balance after a phonecall with a man pretending to be Customs Director Angelo Santos.
After giving the money, the victim was instructed to wait while the suspects left to get the car yet they did not return. Later, at 2 p.m., a person who introduced himself as alias ‘Angel’ called Jocson and tipped the victim about the identities of the suspects.
At this point, Jocson sought assistance from police and met with alias ‘Angel’ who then pointed to the suspect’s hideout at Tangos, Navotas City. Six suspects were arrested during the follow up operations, while authorities are still on the lookout for Solo, who remains at large as of the moment. – Danilo Garcia