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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Suspected scammer arrested by NBI; bag of cocaine seized

Suspected scammer arrested by NBI; bag of cocaine seized

Published Feb 1, 2024 06:23 am

A suspected scammer was arrested during an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City where he was found in possession of cocaine, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Thursday, Feb. 1.

The NBI identified the suspect as Jermiah Jaime V. Vergara who was arrested last Jan. 22 during an entrapment operation conducted  by operatives of the NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD).

Seized from Vergara, the NBI said, was a plastic bag containing a white substance which was determined as cocaine after tested by the bureau's Forensic Chemistry Division.

Last Jan. 24, Vergara was charged before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office with estafa under Article 315 (2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; possession of dangerous drugs under Article II, Section 11 of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; and possession of drug paraphernalia under Article II, Section 12 of RA 9165.

The NBI said the operation against Vergara was conducted based on a complaint.

“According to the Complainant, sometime in March 2023, she met Subject Vergara on a dating application and received private messages through ‘Whatsapp’, inviting her for a meeting to discuss a business proposal. Complainant agreed and paid as investment P350,000 that is equivalent to 10 percent of amount of the Condominium  that will be bought and used for the business. Subject Vergara promised Complainant she will receive no less than 10 percent of the income that will be generated by the said Condominium,” the NBI said.

But the NBI said the complaint stated that Vergara asked for more money and on April 2023 was able to collect from the complainant P100,000 due to claims that the condominium price increased; P60,000 for the real property tax; and P60,000 for the processing of their visa and plane ticket for their planned trip to Paris. 

It said that Vergara was also able to get P10,000 allegedly as payment for the transfer of title. 

When Vergara reportedly asked for P25,000 more for the processing of visa and plane ticket, the  complainant started to suspect that was being scammed and decided to seek the help of the NBI, it also said.

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National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
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