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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Customs brokers arrested in ₱1.9-million extortion attempt

Customs brokers arrested in ₱1.9-million extortion attempt

Published Jun 4, 2025 05:53 pm

Two customs brokers were arrested on Tuesday, June 3, for allegedly attempting to extort ₱1.9 million from a local freight forwarder, shedding light on a prevalent “grease money” scheme.

The arrest was a joint operation between the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) and the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-AOTCD). 

The two agencies proceeded to a coffee shop in Ermita, Manila, to apprehend the two customs brokers, who are sisters. 

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso noted that the swift response of both agencies was crucial to the arrest, which occurred just a day after a freight forwarder company filed a complaint against the suspects. 

Enciso stated that the freight forwarder was given until June 3 to produce the additional ₱1.9 million, in addition to the ₱500,000 already paid, for the shipment.

Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, citing the complaint, said that the freight forwarder had already paid the suspect ₱500,000 as an “all-inclusive engagement fee” covering broker’s fees and customs duties and taxes. 

However, upon the shipment's arrival, the customs brokers allegedly informed the complainant that the shipment was on hold and would face a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) unless an additional ₱1.9 million was paid.

The broker claimed this money was “grease money” for various offices to facilitate the shipment's release. 

The suspect also issued an "ultimatum," stating that the shipment would be subjected to a WSD if the payment was not made by the June 3, 2025, deadline.

Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio lamented how the two suspects victimized the freight forwarder, but also lauded the arrest as a step toward exposing brokers who extort money by falsely naming BOC officers. 

He said this has been a long-standing modus operandi where brokers pocket money while blaming the agency. 

Rubio added his full support for such operations to hold these brokers accountable, restore the reputation of BOC officers, and protect honest businesses from falling victim to these schemes.

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