NBI raids networking firm in Lapu-Lapu City for fraud

CEBU CITY – The office of a networking firm in Lapu-Lapu City was raided Thursday, May 26, for allegedly committing fraudulent activities.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI Region 7) raided the office of JStore Innovation Worldwide Corp., which was accused of engaging in fraudulent pyramiding scheme.

A search warrant issued by Presiding Judge Ruelo Saladaga of Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court Branch 69 was used in the raid.

During the raid, NBI Region 7 agents seized electronic equipment such as personal computers and documents from the company’s headquarters at MTC Shang Building in Barangay Pajo.

The NBI Region 7 said the raid was launched due to numerous complaints from the company's investors.

Special Investigator 3 Agapito Guerran said investors were promised with high returns, reaching up to 50 percent of their investment.

The investors decided to seek help from the NBI Region 7 after the company, owned by one Joil dela Cerna Ocay, failed to give them their payouts. Ocay was also the subject of the search warrant but he was not around during the raid.

Guerran said they have invited at least seven employees for further questioning.

Complaints for violating the Securities Regulation Code will be filed against the company owner, said Guerran.